ifWfcppfc 4\
magun ana shotsnell Centerfire ana rimfire
esr. and American Military and commercial
ckpowder and smokeless
ildcat and proprietary n mm
By Frank C. Barnes/Edited by Ml. McPherson
A Complete and Illustrated Reference Source Tor
Overi500 of the World’s Sporting Cartridges 'j
ABOUT THE EDITOR
MICHAEL L. (MIC) McPherson, bom and raised in the
Western U.S., has been referred to as a “Renaissance
Man,” owing to his wide-ranging education, interests and
abilities. His structured educational background includes
a degree in geology and extensive training in electronics,
engineering and physics.
McPherson’s interest in cartridges began before he
first attended kindergarten. As a youth, he spent count¬
less hours scouring the local shooting ranges and hunt¬
ing fields in search of spent cartridge casings. When
twelve years of age, he discovered an exceedingly long
22 rimfire casing at a shooting range near Craig, Col¬
orado. The range is long gone but the unusual casing is
safe in his meager collection, although, to this day, it
remains unidentified! Spurred by such finds, his curios¬
ity has not abated.
His interests in handloading and hunting are tied direct¬
ly to his fascination with the self-contained cartridge. His
current work as an outdoor writer springs from that fasci¬
nation. A recent article in the 1997 edition of Handloader’s
Digest, ‘The Old Ones,” recounted his discovery of circa
1870, 45-70 Government and 45 Smith & Wesson cases at
a long-abandoned military outpost. Not content with the
simple act of discovery, McPherson then went on to reload
those weather-wom cases using modem components and
tools, just to see if it could be done. It could.
His keenest interests revolve around handloading and
the perfection of that art. He is well represented in various
shooting sports magazines and is editor of Metallic Car¬
tridge Reloading , technical editor for Handloader’s Digest
and columnist for Precision Shooting magazine. His inter¬
est in ballistics has led to invitations from Oehler Labs,
Accurate Arms and Norma Precision to visit those ballistic
laboratories where insights in the volatile field of internal
ballistics were gleaned. He has recently written a book on
home gunsmithing for rifle accuracy
McPherson’s other interests include lost mine and trea¬
sure hunting. Recently, he was involved with Bob Corbin,
former president of the NRA, on one such treasure hunt—
no luck! However, in 1989, McPherson along with his
friend and prospecting partner, Ron Feldman, identified
the location of the fabled “Lost Adams Gold Diggin’s”—an
adventure that led to the co-authored, historical novel
Zigzag Canyon, the Legend of Gold Gulch. Owing to that
experience, Ron and Mic were featured in one of the most
popular episodes of Unsolved Mysteries , originally aired in
January 1992.
ISBN 0-87349-178-5
9 780873 491
785
900
00
CARTRIDGES
OF THE WORLD
8TH EDITION, REVISED AND EXPANDED
By FRANK C. BARNES
M.L. McPherson, Editor
DBI BOOKS
a division of Krause Publications , Inc .
»
STAFF
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Harold A. Murtz
Ray Ordorica
PRODUCTION MANAGER
John L. Duoba
ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING DIRECTOR
Sheldon L. Factor
ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING MANAGER
Nancy J. Mellem
ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING ASSOCIATE
Laura M. Mielzynski
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
John Hanusin
MANAGING EDITOR
Pamela J. Johnson
PUBLISHER
Charles T. Hartigan
Copyright© 1965, 1969, 1972, 1980, 1985, 1989, 1993, 1997 by Frank C.
Barnes and Krause Publications, Inc. Published by DBI Books, adivision
of Krause Publications, Inc., 4092 Commercial Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062.
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. No part of this
book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted m any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher.
The views and opinions of the author and editor expressed herem are
not necessarily those of the publisher, and no responsibility for such views
will be assumed.
Since the author, editor and publisher have no control over the compo¬
nents, assembly of the ammunition, arms it is to be fired in, the degree of
knowledge involved or how the resulting ammunition may be used, no
responsibility, either implied or expressed, is assumed for the use of any of
the cartridge loading data in this book.
1st Edition: 1965
2nd Edition: 1969
3rd Edition: 1972
4th Edition: 1980
5th Edition: 1985
6th Edition: 1989
7th Edition: 1993
8th Edition: 1997
ISBN 0-87349-178-5
Library of Congress
Catalog Card Number 65-16729
About Our Covers
Seventy-five years ago, in 1922, Federal Cartridge Co. opened
its doors in Anoka, Minnesota, with fewer than a dozen workers.
At first, they produced only shotshells and quickly earned a rep¬
utation for making a good product at a fair price.
The company steadily grew, and by the 193 °s Federal had
built a strong reputation regionally. Later, during World War 11,
Federal’s production capabilities and its workers’ talents were
turned to the manufacture of military ammunition for the war
effort. And now some of the grandsons and granddaughters ot
workers who made 30- and 50-caliber rounds during the war
years are making the superior ballistic products used today by
marksmen and hunters. Today, the company is considered a
world leader in ammunition technology.
We are extremely proud Federal is using the occasion of their
75th anniversary to feature their ammunition on the covers of
Cartridges of the World, 8th Edition. What you see is just a very
small selection of their current offerings.
Federal began making centerfire rifle ammunition m 1963
and has expanded its line considerably since then. Their special¬
ly designed Premium High Energy loads come with either the
Trophy Bonded Bear Claw or Nosier Partition bullets, and reach
velocities of up to 200 fps faster than conventional rounds. They
are offered in 308 and 270 Winchester, 30-06, and 300 and 338
Winchester Magnum. For large, heavy and dangerous game, the
Premium Safari line offers calibers from 300 Winchester Mag¬
num to 470 Nitro Express with Nosier Partition, Trophy Bonded
Bear Claw and Sledgehammer, and Woodleigh Weldcore SP bul¬
lets for optimum performance.
Federal ballisticians have mated Sierra’s MatchKing boattail
bullet with match-grade brass to offer their Gold Medal ammu¬
nition, and it is the choice of world-class shooters.
The Classic centerfire rifle line is Federal’s broadest, available m
over forty loads from 222 Remington through 45-70 Government.
Available with Federal’s Hi-Shok softpoints or Sierra’s Pro-Hunter
bullets, Classic ammunition affords maximum knockdown power
and best accuracy in a wide range of hunting conditions.
For the handgun enthusiast, Federal’s BallistiClean is the first
commercially available, lead-free, non-toxic handgun ammunition
on the market. Using a Toxic-Metal Free primer and non-toxic zinc-
core bullet encased in a copper-alloy jacket, it is available in popular
centerfire pistol calibers and 22 Long Rifle.
Their new Premium Personal Defense Hydra-Shok ammo
delivers muzzle velocities up to 20 percent faster than conven¬
tional loads, with 20 percent more energy to the target. Its lower
recoil helps you stay on target when it counts.
The Premium Nyclad handgun ammuniton uses a patented
nylon-coated bullet to reduce airborne lead and stop bore leading.
Round-nose, semi-wadcutter hollowpoint and hollowpoint styles are
available in 9mm Parabellum, 38 Special and 357 Magnum.
Federal’s Gold Medal UltraMatch 22 Long Rifle ammunition
helped bring home the gold at the Olympics. Both supersonic and
subsonic UltraMatch loads are offered, along with Gold Medal
Match and Target grades for serious target shooters.
New to their shotshell lineup are Premium Tungsten loads
that deliver the energy of lead with better penetration than either
steel or lead. The tungsten-iron pellets are 94 percent as dense as
lead and are loaded in an exclusive six-petal wad for barrel pro¬
tection and tighter patterns. Available in 12-gauge in 2 3 /4- or 3-
inch lengths, they have a corrosion-resistant zinc-plated head
, that’s stamped “TUNGSTEN” for easy identification in the field.
Federal proved its mastery in shotgun ammunition by devel¬
oping the Olympic-medal-winning, 24-gram, high-velocity shells
in 1993. At the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, U.S.
shooters won gold, silver and bronze medals using Federal s
“magic bullet” loads in trap shooting competitions.
In 1997, Federal celebrates seventy-five years of service to
hunters, recreational shooters, law enforcement, soldiers and
Olympians alike. It’s a well-deserved celebration.
Photo by John Hanusin.
FOREWORD
SPORTSMEN and firearms enthusiasts in general are
fond of indulging in a timeless, endless discussion that usu¬
ally begins something like this: “If you had the opportunity
to hunt all over the world, but due to space-weight limita¬
tions could carry only one gun, what would it be?” This sim¬
ple assumption is good for hours or even days of lively
debate. Also, on occasion, a few fist fights. This is men¬
tioned, not to engage in any phase of this classic argument,
but because it is apropos to a summary of this book. Let me
put it this way: If you were traveling to Mars or some other
planet by rocket ship, and due to space-weight limitations
could only carry one book on cartridges, what would it be?
We sincerely hope it would be this one, because it contains
more usable information per pound than any other single
book on the subject.
As of this writing there is no record of any copies of Car¬
tridges of the World having been carried to other worlds,
although the effort did get off the ground here on earth. The
many letters received by the author and editors indicate
that we certainly followed the right path in our treatment of
the many known cartridges. The word used most often in
describing the book is “useful.” We consider this a high com¬
pliment because it describes our original objective—to pub¬
lish a useful cartridge book. We sincerely believe the buyer
of this seventh edition will also find it so.
F.C.B.
DEDICATION
To my parents, Clifford and Margaret Barnes—whose
encouragement of my boyhood dreams and ambitions made
all that came later possible—this book is wholeheartedly
dedicated.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We wish to give special thanks to the following people for
their contributions to this the eighth edition of Cartridges
of the World:
Art Alphin, A-Square Company
Randy Brooks, Barnes Bullets
Robert T. Buttweiler, International Ammunition Association
Randy Craft, Cooper Arms
Dave Davidson, 4-D/C-H Tool & Die
William T. Falin, Jr., Accurate Arms Co.
Bob Forker, Guns & Ammo
Thomas Griffin, Lyman Products Corporation
Russell Cooper, shotshell collector
J.D. Jones, SSK Industries
Allan Jones, Speer Products
Bob Knopf, Federal Cartridge Co.
Paulette Kok, Dakota Arms
Christer Larson, Norma Precision
Ralph Lermayer, author
David Livingston, historian
Larry McGhee, PMC
Charles Murray, International Ammunition Association
Ray Ordorica, British cartridge historian
Art Peter, RCBS
Troy Potter, Fiocchi
Randy Shelly, Tombstone Smoke ’n’ Deals
Aubrey White, North American Shooting Systems
Bill Wohl, Remington Arms Co., Inc.
Bill Woodin, Woodin Laboratory
CONTENTS
Introduction . 6
Chapter 1 : Cartridge Nomenclature. .
Chapter 2 : Current American Rifle Cartridges..
Centerfire Sporting—Blackpowder and Smokeless
Chapter 3: Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges ..
Centerfire Sporting—Blackpowder and Smokeless
Chapter 4: Wildcat Cartridges..
Rifle and Handgun
Chapter 5: Proprietary Cartridges. 201
Rifle and Handgun
Chapter 6 : Handgun Cartridges of the World .231
Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless
Chapter 7: Military Rifle Cartridges of the World.276
Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless
Chapter 8 : British Sporting Rifle Cartridges..
Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless
Chapter 9: European Sporting Rifle Cartridges..
Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless
Chapter 10 : American Rimfire Cartridges ..
Current and Obsolete
Chapter 11 : Shotgun Shells..
Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless
Chapter 12 : Cartridge Identification..
Chapter 13: A Short History of Propellant Powders. 417
By M.L. McPherson
Chapter 14: The Cartridge Case —Why Brass?.426
By Bob Forker
Chapter 15: The Future of High Velocity..
By Ralph Lermayer
Chapter 16: Revolutionary Bullet Designs ..
By M.L McPherson
Chapter 17: Military Ammunition 5.56 to 20 mm. 447
Description and Identification
Chapter 18: Cartridge Identification by Measurement.464
Index to Cartridges..
INTRODUCTION
THE ORIGINAL PHILOSOPHY worked out by the
author and the late John T. Amber (the original editor)
was to assemble a practical and useful book that would
appeal to as broad a spectrum of the shooting fraternity
as possible. The sales record of the book over the years
would indicate that this was the proper approach. The
Eighth Edition carries on in the same tradition as the pre¬
vious seven editions in offering both something new as
well as retaining old data that is either useful or of gener¬
al interest. There is not really much that can be done in
the area of, say, obsolete cartridges because nothing
changes except that from time to time one or two of the
old-timers will be picked up and reintroduced. This
requires moving such cartridges back into the chapter cov¬
ering modem cartridges, or on the other hand, some com¬
mercially loaded number will be discontinued and
relegated to the obsolete chapter. This happens between
editions and is something that must be kept abreast of.
We have retained the encyclopedic reference format and
tried to continue presenting the information from the
sporting/shooting point of view. Included is information
covering handgun, rifle, shotgun, obsolete blackpowder,
European, British, military, wildcat and proprietary car¬
tridges along with data on the guns that shoot these car¬
tridges. Something for everybody.
The information contained in Cartridges of the World
was obtained from many sources, including textbooks, cat¬
alogs (old and new), periodicals and individuals. The late
John T. Amber supplied many out of print and rare car¬
tridge catalogs from his extensive library. Much informa¬
tion is from the author’s and editor’s files and other
original sources and will not be found elsewhere. Practical
experience also weighs heavily in the balance. The author
had over 50 years of hunting, shooting, reloading and col¬
lecting experience. Former editor John Amber was a gun
collector with extensive hunting experience in North
America, Europe and Africa. Ken Warner, successor to
John Amber and editor of Gun Digest , is also a collector,
hunter and shooter with many years experience. The pre¬
sent editor, M.L. McPherson, has over 25 years experience
in the manufacturing and marketing of all types of ammu¬
nition both domestic and international. This collective
experience is reflected in the pages of this book. The book
is divided into chapters based on each category of ammu¬
nition: Current American Rifle, Obsolete American Rifle,
Handgun, Military, etc. Ballistics and basic loading data
has been included with each individual cartridge where
possible. Extensive dimensional charts and tables are to
be found at the end of each chapter. Dimensional data is
presented in this manner rather than with the individual
cartridge in order to simplify the identification of
unknown cartridges. Cartridges are listed in the order of
increasing bullet diameter, or length or power, where cal¬
iber is the same. One of the more difficult bits of informa¬
tion to establish with any certainty is the date of origin of
the older obsolete cartridges. This is a matter of some
importance to historians and occasionally also to archae¬
ologists digging into our recent past when they happen
onto spent cases or cartridges in graves or old battlefields.
It can also be useful when attempting to fix the caliber of
certain guns or the relationship between between fire¬
arms, ammunition and historical events. Those who write
western novels or make similar movies might be well
served if they would peruse the pages of this book so that
they would not constantly be placing the wrong guns in
the wrong time period. It might surprise them to discover
that the U.S. cavalry in the 1870s did not carry either
Model 1892 or 1894 Winchester lever-action carbines. Not
only were these guns unavailable, but in addition none of
the cartridges they chambered were ever adopted by the
military. The date of origin, insofar as can be determined,
has been included with the historical notes. Many law
enforcement agencies, military organizations and defense
ordnance groups have found Cartridges of the World to be
a very worthwhile reference source. It is also used as a
basic text in colleges and universities for firearms identifi¬
cation courses. Firearms identification involves working
with cartridges as much as working with firearms. Car¬
tridges of the World even made it into television when it
showed up in one episode of the popular cop show, “Miami
Vice.”
Under the heading, “General Comments,” an effort has
been made to rate the various cartridges for hunting pur¬
poses. Admittedly any such ratings are highly subjective
since there is no quantitative formula for determining
what cartridge is suitable for what game. Evidence (or
6 Cartridges of the World
lack thereof), observations in the hunting field and per¬
sonal opinion enter inevitably into this process. If the
reader takes issue with the author or editor regarding the
efficacy of a particular cartridge for some specific pur¬
pose, it doesn’t necessarily follow that someone is wrong,
but rather that the problem is evaluated from different
points of view. I remember reading several years ago
about the fellow in Africa who fired a 22 Long Rifle at an
elephant in an effort to scare it away from his garden.
Unfortunately, he hit the poor beast and dropped it in its
tracks with a single misplaced round and then really had
a hell of a time getting it out. I hardly think that this
qualifies the 22 Long Rifle as an elephant gun, although
some might think so. Also, many years ago I ran into an
old-time trapper in the Yukon Territory of Canada who
had a much used Savage Model 99 lever action cham¬
bered for the 303 Savage. He handloaded all his ammu¬
nition with hand cast 190-grain bullets at a muzzle
velocity of about 1950 fps. He insisted that this 30-30
class combination was more than adequate for moose,
grizzly bear or any thing else, and with his experience as
a woodsman, trapper and hunter, it was. However, not
many present-day gun writers would agree. So ideas as to
what’s good for what in the world of hunting cartridges
depends a great deal on personal experience, skill and
opinion. In any event the ratings of the various cartridges
for hunting purposes is, in all cases, based on the
assumption that the hunter uses the proper bullet type
for whatever game is to be hunted.
Finally we come to the subject of what cartridges
should or should not be included within the pages of Car¬
tridges of the World. Obviously, the book does not include
every known cartridge in the world. If it did it would have
to be divided up into many volumes. From time to time
certain readers write rather irate letters wondering why
such and such a cartridge has not been included, or on the
other hand, why we bothered to include certain cartridges.
Admittedly, there must be several hundred cartridges and
variations including obsolete, military, European, etc.,
that have been left out. There are several reasons for this,
one being editorial constraints as to the number of pages
and contents. There simply isn’t sufficient room in one
general volume for everything. The book has to be kept in
balance to appeal to a general rather than specific audi¬
ence. Secondly, while most gun nuts are casual cartridge
collectors, only a very small percentage of the shooting
public are what might be classed as avid collectors. In oth¬
er words, not many people have even a remote interest in
all the obsolete and little known cartridges that have been
available at one time or another. There are already a large
number of excellent books aimed specifically at the car¬
tridge collector per se such as those written by Charles
Suydam, Herschel Logan, Fred Datig and others. The cri¬
teria used to determine what cartridges to include is
based largely on what the author and editor perceive as
being of greatest general interest, what has historical sig¬
nificance or is of unusual interest. A survey has demon¬
strated, for example, that 98 percent of readers are
interested in modem cartridges and many purchase the
book for that information alone. That chapter (Chapter 2)
is based on commercially loaded ammunition readily
available through most gun stores. Obsolete cartridges
(Chapter 3) includes all the better known smokeless and
blackpowder cartridges no longer commercially loaded,
but not every known obsolete cartridge. In other words,
there has to be some sort of cut off or the whole thing could
get out of hand. A number of currently popular wildcat
cartridges have always been included, but we have great¬
ly expanded the chapter on wildcats because of new devel¬
opments and renewed interest in this area. The reader
will note a considerable reorganization of Chapter 11:
Shotgun Shells. As information, samples and illustrations
become available we intend to further expand this chap¬
ter. In this edition we have created a separate and greatly
expanded proprietary cartridge chapter. This reflects the
growing popularity of this class of custom chamberings.
Also, we have included a master dimensional table, Chap¬
ter 18, organized by bullet diameter and case length to
ease identification of unknown cartridges or spent car¬
tridge cases, through measurement. Finally, we have reor¬
ganized the Index at the back of the book to ease location
of information on a cartridge, once its name is known. The
author and the editor try to please as many potential
readers as possible, but remember, as in the biblical para¬
ble of the man and his donkey, it is impossible to please
everybody.
8th Edition 7
Chapter 1
CARTRIDGE NOMENCLATURE
IT IS DIFFICULT or impossible for the novice to follow
the action without some knowledge of cartridge caliber
designation. Even the individual experienced with stan¬
dard American ammunition may be ignorant of British,
European or even obsolete American cartridge nomencla¬
ture. The subject, regrettably, is hill of inconsistencies and
confusion.
With the majority of American, British or European
(metric) cartridges, the caliber is the first figure given.
However, there are exceptions that will be pointed out lat¬
er. Caliber may be given in terms of bullet or bore diame¬
ter (land or groove), and is neither accurate nor consistent.
For example, the 303 Savage cartridge, which often uses
.308-inch diameter bullet as opposed to the 303 British
with a .312-inch diameter bullet. Then there is the .458
Winchester Magnum and the 460 Weatherby Magnum,
both of which are loaded with the same 458-inch diameter
bullet. The Weatherby people didn’t want anyone to get
their round mixed up with the Winchester design so they
changed the figures a little. That is why some cartridges
do not follow in normal caliber designation in the dimen¬
sional tables.
The second figure, if there is one, is usually some dis¬
tinguishing feature such as the case length or powder
charge. Cartridges of European origin are, almost without
exception, designated in metric units by caliber and case
length. Obsolete American cartridges, or any that have a
blackpowder origin, are designated by caliber and powder
charge weight; or caliber-powder charge-bullet weight (the
last two in grains weight). Smokeless powder charges vary
so widely with the powder type and grain structure that
this system is no longer used. However, there are again
such exceptions as the 30-30 Winchester and 30-40 Krag.
Here, the second figure represents the original smokeless
powder charge although it no longer has anything to do
with it. With blackpowder cartridges the designation 45-
70 Springfield means a 45-caliber bullet with 70 grains of
blackpowder; or 45-70-405 spells out the same cartridge
with 405-grain bullet to distinguish it from such other bul¬
let loadings as the 45-70-500.
The truth of the matter is that the American “system”
of cartridge nomenclature really hasn’t any system to it,
and can only be learned through reading and experience.
Otherwise, you simply never know what is meant. For
example, take the 30-06, a very popular military and
sporting round. Here, the first figure shows the caliber,
the second last two numbers are the date of origin. In oth¬
er words, a 30-caliber cartridge—model of 1906. Or again,
the 250-3000 Savage. This translates out as a 25-caliber
cartridge firing a bullet at 3000 fps muzzle velocity. The
bullet diameter is actually .257-inch and muzzle velocity
varies with bullet weight from 2800 to over 3000 fps.
Some of the older blackpowder cartridges included the
case length and type; thus the 44-90 Sharps 2 5 /s-inch
necked, or 45-120 Sharps 3V4-inch straight. This isn’t a
system at all, it’s a code.
The British, to a large extent, follow the same “system”
as we do. However, they add to the general confusion with
such cartridges as the 577/450 or 500/465. Here, the sec¬
ond figure gives the actual caliber, and what is meant is
the 577 case necked to 450-caliber and a 500 case necked
to 465-caliber. They may also add the case length. At this
point it is necessary to point out that some American wild¬
cat (noncommercial) cartridges dreamed up by individual
experimenters are designated by a similar but opposite
system (?). Here, we have such cartridges as the 8mm-06,
30-338 and 25-06. These work out as an 8mm based on the
30-06 case, a 30-caliber based on the 338 Winchester case
and a 25-caliber based on the 30-06 case. Confusing
indeed!
The Europeans have evolved the only real system of
cartridge designation that is consistent and meaningful.
Dimensions are in millimeters, including bullet diame¬
ter, case length and type. The 7x57mm Mauser is a car¬
tridge, for example, using a 7mm bullet in a 57mm
rimless case. The 9.3x74Rmm is a 9.3mm caliber and a
74mm rimmed case. The R denotes the rimmed type, its
absence a rimless case. The name of the originator or
manufacturer may follow. This is a relatively simple and
straightforward system, but unfortunately it isn’t perfect
8 Cartridges of the World
either. The Germans used two rim types in some of their
older cartridges, and this resulted in duplicate designa¬
tion of cartridges that differ only in the rim (9.05x36.4R,
10.85x24.9R, etc.), and there must be at least three
9.3x72mm cartridges that differ only in case configura¬
tion. It is all something of a mess and probably too late to
change. The author, in an effort to straighten things out
or perhaps add to the confusion, developed two wildcat
cartridges which he designated as the 308xl.5-inch and
458x2-inch.
To further elucidate, the reader needs to know that
there are two major classifications of cartridges—center-
fire and rimfire. The former is fired by a primer located
in the center of the case head; the latter by the priming
compound distributed around the entire inside of the
rim’s outer diameter. The modern centerfire cartridge
primer is removable and replaceable so that the case can
be reloaded after it is fired. It is possible, but not practi¬
cable to reload rimfire cases after they have been fired.
Centerfire cartridges are subdivided into two types
based on the primer, Berdan and Boxer. The Berdan
primed case has the anvil as a separate protrusion or
teat in the bottom of the primer pocket. The Boxer
primer is completely self-contained and the anvil is a
part of the primer. All American-made ammunition is
normally Boxer primed, whereas much British and
Cartridge Nomenclature
European ammunition is Berdan primed. Most foreign-
made ammunition manufactured for the American mar¬
ket has the Boxer-type primer.
Rim Types
There are four common types of centerfire cartridge
cases based on rim type. These are: rimmed, rimless,
semi-rimmed and belted. The British equivalents are:
flanged, rimless, semi-flanged and belted. There is a
fifth type, not widely used, which is the rebated rimless
in which the rim is of smaller diameter than the base of
the case. Only one American rifle cartridge is of this
type, the 284 Winchester. The new 41 Action Express
pistol cartridge is also rebated. The purpose of the
rebated rim is to allow the use of a standard diameter
bolt with a larger diameter cartridge. In the past, there
have been a few rimless cases without the usual extrac¬
tor groove.
Both centerfire and rimfire cartridges may be of
straight or necked type. Contrary to popular opinion, the
necked case was not designed to provide greater velocity
for smokeless powder cartridges. It evolved back in black-
powder days as a means of getting the same powder
charge in a shorter case, thus allowing the repeating
actions of the day to handle cartridges of the same power
as the single shots with their long, straight cartridges.
Anvil Primer cap Priming mixture Rimmed Semi-Rimmed Rimless Rebated Belted
8th Edition 9
Chapter 1
Some of the very early rimfire cartridges were of the
necked type.
The latest fad in cartridges is the caseless, or com¬
bustible type, an idea not really very new that dates back
to the early 1800s or before. The original used a nitrated
paper or cloth container for the powder charge and some¬
times also the bullet. The entire package was loaded into
the gun, and the powder and its container consumed in
firing. During WWII, the Germans began an intense
research and development program to perfect caseless
ammunition and design weapons to shoot it. The princi¬
pal motivating factor at the time was the severe shortage
of brass and other metal for cartridge cases. The Ger¬
mans are known to have had at least partial success, and
some insist complete success. United States military ord¬
nance facilities as well as private industry have been
working on the problem of caseless ammunition for the
past 50 years or more. There has been considerable suc¬
cess in developing caseless and partially-caseless artillery
rounds, but there are still many problems in the small
arms field. Obturation is a big problem, as is ejecting a
misfired round from the chamber of a repeating action.
Modern caseless ammunition usually consists of com¬
pressed powder grains fastened to the base of the bullet,
or the powder may be encased in a plastic case made of
the same material as the propellant. Ignition may be per¬
cussion or electrical, and there is, in some types, a boost¬
er charge extending through the center of the powder
charge.
Cartridge Collectors
Though this book is not a collectors’ manual, it
includes nonetheless considerable material of use and
interest to collectors or any serious student of cartridges
and related weapons. The tables of dimensions are orga¬
nized to facilitate cartridge identification. The key to this
is bullet diameter and case type. The reader must under¬
stand that in measuring cartridge dimensions, certain
manufacturing tolerances must be allowed, and these can
affect the last, or even the second, decimal figure. Dimen¬
sional tolerances can be rather considerable with old
blackpowder cartridges. Also, the true diameter of the
obsolete paper-patched bullet should include the patch,
not just the lead slug protruding from it. Minor variations
in dimensions should not be mistaken for errors or the
existence of an unknown caliber. The dimensional tables
can also be used to identify the caliber of a weapon if the
chamber dimensions are known. This can best be deter¬
mined by means of a chamber cast and the means of
doing this is explained in Chapter 3. If you own an obso¬
lete or foreign weapon for which ammunition is not avail¬
able, the tables of dimensions will assist in determining if
ammunition can be made by reforming some similar
existing case.
Metallic Cartridge Development
The self-contained metallic cartridge is a fairly mod¬
ern development, “perfected” only within the last 150
years or so. The use of blackpowder as a propellant in
guns in the western world goes back something like 650
years, and the knowledge of gunpowder over 700 years.
The Chinese knew about gunpowder 500 or 600 years
before it was introduced to Europeans, although they
used it as fireworks and not as a propellant any earlier
than the Europeans. The centerfire cartridge, a neces¬
sary prerequisite to our modern ammunition, evolved
during the 1860s and 1870s. Smokeless powder and
high-velocity cartridges date back only to the 1890s.
Improvements since the turn of the century have been
more in the area of improved ignition, powder chemistry
and bullet construction rather than cartridge design.
Charles Newton designed cartridges back around 1910
that, had modern powders been available, would have
equaled the performance of present-day high-velocity
developments of similar caliber and type. Smokeless
powder military cartridges designed between 1888 and
1915 were so good that improvement was possible only
after more advanced types of powder were available, and
many of these cartridges were still in use through WWII.
As the result of this situation, many modem innovations
in the gun and cartridge field turn out, after a little
investigation, to be a reintroduction of something really
quite old.
A few examples of the not-really-very-new among mod¬
em cartridges are worth pointing out. The 244 Remington
(6mm) makes a good case to start out with. Introduced in
1955, it is based on the 257 Roberts case, necked down,
which in turn is the 7x57mm Mauser, slightly modified.
Back in 1895, or thereabout, the Germans had a 6x57mm,
made by necking-down the 7x57mm Mauser. With the
exception of the shoulder angle, the 244 Remington is a
carbon copy of this much- older cartridge.
The 7mm Remington Magnum is another brilliant
“design” that is really just a modification of a much-older
cartridge. It is very similar to the 275 Holland & Holland
Magnum introduced around 1912 or 1913. However, the
H&H round didn’t have a good American smokeless pow¬
der of later development to bring out its full potential. On
the other hand, there are a number of wildcat 7mm short-
belted magnums practically identical to the 7mm Rem¬
ington Magnum that pre-date it by quite a few years and
are identical in performance.
Yet another Remington innovation is the 280 Reming¬
ton, a rimless cartridge based on the 30-06 case, necked-
down. This is a dead ringer for the 7x64mm Brenneke
introduced in 1917. It is also practically identical to the
wildcat 7mm-06 developed around 1928, so there is noth¬
ing very original here. However, none of these cartridges
are interchangeable.
The commercial manufacturers are not alone in their
design duplication; many individuals have inadvertently
done the same thing. One of the most popular wildcat
cartridges anyone has thought up is the 35 Whelen,
introduced about 1922 and adopted as a commercial
standard by Remington in 1987. This is simply the 30-
06 case necked-up to 35-caliber and was originated by
the late Col. Townsend Whelen. It is a very close copy of
the German 9x63mm, which dates back to about 1905.
As a matter of fact, a number of wildcat cartridges are
nothing more than a duplication of some much older
British or European designs. In fairness, it must be stat¬
ed that the originator of the wildcat version probably
was completely unaware of the existence of a parallel
cartridge at the time of his bright idea.
10 Cartridges of the World
Some companies and wildcatters go to considerable
trouble to complete the circle, often coming up with
something that duplicates a long- forgotten cartridge.
If they were more familiar with the history of cartridge
development, they could save a lot of time. The 444
Marlin, introduced during 1964, is a good case in point.
To begin with, it is a poorly disguised copy of the wild¬
cat 44 Van Houten Super that pre-dates it by at least 3
years. According to Parker Ackley, in his Handbook for
Shooters and Reloaders , the 44 VHS is made by neck¬
ing up the 30-40 Krag case, trimming it to 2 inches, and
turning down the rim. When this is done, we end up
with a near carbon copy of the 10.3x65Rmm Swiss car¬
tridge (DWM 237A) that originated around 1900 or ear¬
lier. The only difference is in the fact that the 10.3mm
case is 0.3-inch longer than the 44 VHS or 0.2-inch
longer than the 444 Marlin. However, that’s not all
there is to the story because the 10.3x65Rmm cartridge
is based on the brass 410 shotgun shell loaded with a
conical bullet and fired in a rifled barrel. It is possible
to make the 444 Marlin from brass 410 cases and the
new originators could have done the same thing in the
beginning.
Cartridges don’t just happen, they evolve in response
to some need or use requirement. Our Western frontier
dictated American cartridge development for 50 years or
more. Its influence is still an important factor in direct¬
ing the imagination of the modem hunter. British rifle
cartridges, in the main, were designed for conditions
existing in other parts of the world such as Africa and
India rather than the home island. European cartridges
were developed on one hand because of hunting condi¬
tions and available game on the European continent,
and on the other to compete with American and British
innovations. Since the end of WWII, there has been con¬
siderable blending and standardization of the various
worldwide cartridge designs. More British and European
rifles and cartridges are used by American gun buffs
than ever before, and they, in turn, have adopted many
of our ideas.
Modern Ammunition
The most important factor influencing the ammuni¬
tion available at any given time is economics. The
ammunition manufacturers are willing to produce any¬
thing that will sell, but, obviously, are most reluctant to
tool up and turn out something for which there is little or
no demand. Military developments, as illustrated by the
30 Carbine, 30-06, 7.62mm NATO (308 Winchester),
5.56mm (223 Remington), 45 ACP and that old standby,
the 45-70, have almost always provided a good long-term
sales record when introduced in sporting version. For
this reason the ammunition companies have usually
been quick to adopt these. They have not been quite so
enthusiastic in their attitude toward cartridges devel¬
oped by individuals or wildcatters. However, Remington
has been the leader in introducing commercial versions
of what were originally wildcat cartridges. They initiated
the trend with the 257 Roberts back in 1934, and since
1945 have added a number of others including the 17
Remington, 22-250 Remington, 6mm Remington, 25-06
Remington, 7mm-08, 7mm Remington Magnum and the
Cartridge Nomenclature
8mm Remington Magnum, to name most of them. Actu¬
ally, we must recognize that Winchester adopted the 22
Hornet (an original wildcat development) in 1930. Also
the 300 Winchester Magnum and possibly the 358 Win¬
chester were around in wildcat versions before the com¬
pany decided to develop something similar. The 444
Marlin is another cartridge based on an original wildcat
innovation. Since most of these have had good sales
records, it would not be surprising to see some of the oth¬
er more popular wildcats introduced in commercial ver¬
sion as time goes on. This is a healthy trend, and I hope
it will continue.
Nostalgia is another factor that is now exerting con¬
siderable influence on ammunition and firearms trends.
Shooting muzzle-loading and blackpowder cartridge
guns of all types is a solidly-established facet of the
shooting game. Although there have always been a few
muzzle-loading clubs and a small core of blackpowder
devotees, the current popularity of this sport has given
birth to a whole new industry specializing in the manu¬
facture of replica arms. Muzzle-loading clubs with sev¬
eral hundred members are now common and most states
have special muzzle-loading big game hunting seasons.
As an example of the magnitude of this development,
Colt Firearms once again sold their cap and ball
revolvers, Harrington & Richardson offered replicas of
the U.S. 1873 “Trapdoor” cavalry carbine, Shiloh Rifle
Mfg. will sell you 1863 Sharps carbines and rifles and
one can buy any number of Hawken-type muzzle-loading
replicas. What is mentioned here is only a very small
portion of what is available to blackpowder shooters. If
you are interested in the full extent of the offerings in
this field, I suggest you buy the latest edition of Gun
Digest (DBI Books, Inc.) and look in the catalog section
in the back of the book.
How does all this affect modem cartridges? The nostal¬
gia syndrome is responsible for the reappearance of a
number of long obsolete cartridges, or at least new reload¬
able cases, although admittedly this is as yet on a rather
limited or custom basis for most of the old-timers. Dixie
Gun Works, for example, is offering new, reloadable cases
in the old 50-70 Government caliber and has recently
brought in the 41 Rimfire. The development of modem
cartridges is a dynamic rather than a static process,
although it does move in a series of starts and stops,
depending on fads and trends at any given time. These,
then, are the factors that shape our modem ammunition
and this includes some very exciting innovations (some old
and some new) since the First Edition of Cartridges of the
World came off the press.
Cartridge Loading Data
Basic loading data has been furnished as part of the
general information on each cartridge, except in those cas¬
es where such information was unavailable and test rifles
or cartridges unobtainable. Insofar as possible, the loads
listed are for those powders that provide the most efficient
velocity and energy for the caliber and bullet weight
involved. With old blackpowder cartridges or obsolete
smokeless powder numbers, the objective has been to sup¬
ply data that more or less duplicates the original factory
performance figures. The cartridge loading data has been
8th Edition li
Chapter 1
gathered from various published sources and the author’s
very extensive experience. The data selected for inclusion
in COTW provides a good starting point for the hand-
loader, but there are many more good powders available
for loading each cartridge than can possibly be presented
here. It is therefore recommended that the serious reloader
obtain one or more of the very fine reloading manuals pub¬
lished by DBI Books, (Metallic Cartridge Reloading, 3rd
Edition) Lyman, Speer, Homady, Hodgdon, Sierra, Nosier,
P.O. Ackley and others. Loading data listed here does not
necessarily agree with that published elsewhere as to the
velocity obtainable with a given charge of powder because
the test conditions and equipment are not the same. There
is no such thing as absolute loading data and all published
loads reflect the conditions of testfiring, which includes a
number of important variables such as barrel length,
chamber configuration, temperature, components used,
test equipment, etc. Test firings conducted by the author
some years ago with different makes and models of 30-06
rifles demonstrated that there can be a variation of over
300 fps between different rifles firing the same, very care-
fully-loaded ammunition.
All loading data, wherever published, should be used
with caution and common sense. If you are not sure or
don’t know what you are doing, DON’T DO IT!!! Since nei¬
ther the author, editor or publisher has any control over
the components, assembly of the ammunition, arms it is to
be fired in, the degree of knowledge involved or how the
resulting ammunition may be used, no responsibility,
either implied or expressed, is assumed for the use of any
of the cartridge loading data in this 8th edition of COTW.
Cartridge Dimensional Data
The reader should understand that the tables of car¬
tridge dimensional data at the end of each chapter are
based on actual cartridge measurements and not derived
from SAAMI or other drawings. In some instances, data is
based on measurement of a single specimen; in others, it
may be an average taken from several cartridges of differ¬
ent manufacture. The tables are intended primarily to
assist the reader in identifying cartridges, and their use
for the purpose of chambering rifles is not recommended
unless checked carefully against manufacturers’ chamber
dimensions. The reason for this is that there are far
greater differences in cartridge dimensions between dif¬
ferent makes and lots than most people realize. There are
differences in the third decimal place even within most 20-
round boxes, in fact.
This brings up another point. From time to time, the
author or editor will receive letters from readers com¬
plaining that their measurement of some cartridge dimen¬
sion does not agree with ours, and therefore we must be
wrong. I have, for example, two letters before me—one
claiming that a certain figure is too high, the other stating
that the very same figure is too low. The differences are
all in the third decimal place. This is not a matter of any¬
one being wrong, but rather variances in manufacturing
tolerance.
As a more specific example of the tolerance factor, I
acquired a box of 10mm pistol ammunition for the Bren
10 and other semi-autos and in measuring several rounds,
found some discrepancy in the rim diameters. Just to see
what the minimum and maximum figures were, I mea¬
sured the entire 20-round box. It turned out that the min¬
imum rim diameter was .419-inch and the maximum was
.426-inch or a difference of .007-inch. Is that a sufficient
range to cause the pistol to misfunction? I hardly think so,
but people have written letters over a difference of .002-
inch or even .001-inch between their measurements and
mine.
All of this is just to get the subject of cartridge dimen¬
sions into proper perspective. In any event, if your mea¬
surements don’t match someone else’s by a few
thousandths of an inch, don’t get excited and don’t get the
idea you may have discovered a new and heretofore
unknown cartridge. You may be dealing with maximum
and the other guy with minimum dimensions.
Frank C. Barnes
12 Cartridges of the World
Chapter 2
CURRENT AMERICAN
RIFLE CARTRIDGES
(Centerfire Sporting)
THE CRITERION used to determine which cartridges
should be included in Chapter 2 is the requirement that
the cartridge be currently manufactured and available to
the American sportsman through local dealers either on
an over-the-counter basis, or by special order, since no gun
store carries every single item of ammunition that is man¬
ufactured.
The cartridges listed here include not only the most mod¬
em developments, but also some that are ancient and obso¬
lete by any standard. The characteristic they share is that
they are manufactured on a commercial basis, still used,
and rifles are available chambered for the round, although
perhaps not made by the major American arms companies.
Two of the oldest American centerfire cartridges are includ¬
ed in this group, the 44-40 Winchester and the 45-70 Gov¬
ernment, both of which originated in 1873 and have been
in continuous use since. Several replica rifles are now
chambered for the 44-40, and the 45-70 has staged a
remarkable comeback as a short-range brush or woods car¬
tridge. Both modem and replica rifles are being chambered
for the 45-70. Today the popularity of this grand old mili¬
tary and sporting cartridge is once again increasing.
One thing that can be said about many cartridges in
Chapter 2 is that they have stood the test of time and
include among their number the best and most useful
designs available to the American shooter. Those that
ended up in second place, often for good reasons but some¬
times for no reason anyone could reasonably understand
or explain, will be found in Chapter 3: Obsolete American
Rifle Cartridges. Interestingly, nostalgia is in the process
of moving a few of these back into Chapter 2.
For many years, the new trend in cartridge and rifle
design has been toward high velocity and flat trajectory,
often at the expense of almost any other consideration. It
appears to be the fashionable thing in some circles to show
up on a big game hunt with the largest caliber or most pow¬
erful rifle in the crowd. This odd psychosis is partly respon¬
sible for the success of the Weatherby line of rifles and
cartridges, although prestige and owning a perceived supe¬
rior product also enter into this. The major gun manufactur¬
ers in the United States were slow in recognizing this as a
fact of life, but have since closed the gap. Modem high-veloc¬
ity magnum cartridges can cancel out some small measure
of poor judgment in estimating range or lead if the shooter
can handle the added recoil and muzzle blast without flinch¬
ing. C Editor's Note: Recently this trend has slowed with many
new chamberings now middle-of-the-road offerings.)
The author has, at various times, owned and shot most
of the modem magnum rifles and handguns and has a
very high regard for their capabilities, but has reserva¬
tions as to any real need for the larger calibers under nor¬
mal North American hunting conditions. A great deal
depends, of course, on what is to be hunted and under
what conditions. Is there any actual advantage, for exam¬
ple, in owning a 300 Magnum if your hunting area is con¬
fined to, say, southern California? What game would one
encounter there so large or so dangerous that would
require all this extra power? Yes, I understand the mag¬
num might provide an extra 100-yard sure-hit range. But
with a little practice in range estimation, wouldn't some¬
thing like the 257 Roberts, 270 Winchester or the 30-06 do
just as well? However, one should never disparage a man’s
wife, his automobile or his favorite hunting rifle. There¬
fore, far be it for me to make enemies by casting asper¬
sions on those who favor the magnum cartridges for
whatever reason. My only point is that one doesn’t need a
magnum to kill a mouse, not that there is anything wrong
with doing so. In any event, if you are looking for the latest
and the most powerful, it will be found in Chapter 2.
The reader who is trying to determine which of the cur¬
rent American rifle cartridges best suits his hunting needs
should first determine what game animals he intends to
hunt. Secondly, he should decide which type of rifle action
is preferred: bolt-, lever-, semi-auto, slide- or single shot
action. Next, sit down with a copy of Gun Digest or a vari¬
ety of gun catalogs to see what calibers are available for
the different actions. Next, give some careful and realistic
thought as to how the gun is to be used, type of cover,
average range and the variety of game animals to be legal¬
ly hunted. Once you have all of these factors in hand,
8th Edition 13
Chapter 2
check through the cartridges listed in this chapter and
pick the one that matches your particular needs and situ¬
ation. Don’t select the most powerful or the one with the
highest velocity in the ballistics tables unless this actual¬
ly offers some real advantage to you. Bear in mind that
high velocity and flat trajectory offer no advantage if the
bulk of your hunting is confined to brush or heavy timber
with ranges that average only 50 yards or so. On the oth¬
er hand, a big, heavy, slow bullet won’t put meat in the
freezer if you are shooting antelope at 300 yards and
beyond. Always bear in mind that the 20 foot pounds of
recoil energy produced by cartridges in the 30-06 class is
about all the average person can stand without flinching
badly. In other words, use a little common sense and be
realistic in your choice of hunting calibers. All the velocity,
energy and killing power in the world is of no value if you
can’t hit anything with it.
From time to time, readers write and ask the author
what his favorite hunting calibers are or what type rifle
action he prefers. I happen to be very partial to the 257
Roberts and the 30-06 for the simple reason that I have
always had extremely good results with both, and they
will (if you reload) allow great flexibility in the variety of
game or pests that can be hunted. If you handload, the 30-
06 can be adapted to shoot anything from varmints right
on up to moose and brown bear under most hunting situ¬
ations. However, I also happen to like the 45-70 and have
been shooting rifles of this caliber since I was 14 years old
when an uncle gave me an 1873 Trapdoor Springfield rifle
as a birthday present. Actually, I have fired, at one time or
another, nearly eveiy cartridge listed in Chapter 2.1 don’t
really have anything against any of them for their intend¬
ed purpose. As for rifle actions, I prefer the bolt action, sin¬
gle shot and lever action, in about that order. One thing
about cartridges, there is certainly sufficient variety to
please just about anyone. As the saying goes, “Whatever
turns you on.”
( Editor's Note: Being of the 11 percent who are left-
handed, I learned early to appreciate Remington's almost
ambidexterous pump-action rifle. Left-handed bolt actions
have long been available but are seldom seen in gun stores
or pawn shops. If one wants to handle such a rifle, one is
welcome to order and pay for it and when it arrives at the
dealer's store, one can then see if he likes it. It is a small
miracle any ever sold. I have long since tried all manner of
rifle actions and I now, more than ever, prefer the pump.)
Matching the caliber to the job at hand is a most important factor for
the hunter, and it doesn’t make sense to be over-gunned. This
hunter wisely chose the 270 Win. to take this nice mule deer.
14 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
17 Remington
Historical Notes The 17 Remington was introduced in 1971
as a new caliber for Remington’s 700 series bolt-action rifles.
It is the smallest caliber centerfire rifle cartridge offered on a
commercial basis to date. The case is based on the 223 Rem¬
ington necked-down to 17-caliber, with the shoulder moved
back .087-inch to lengthen the neck while retaining the same
shoulder angle. The 17 Remington is similar to, but not iden¬
tical with, the 17-223 wildcat developed about 1965. Experi¬
ments with 17-caliber rifles go back to 1944 when P.O.
Ackley, the well-known gunsmith and experimenter, devel¬
oped the 17 Ackley Bee based on necking-down the improved
218 Bee case. There are a number of other 17-caliber wildcat
cartridges made by necking-down 22-caliber centerfire cases
such as the 221 Remington Fireball, 222 Remington, etc.
Remington, Ultra Light Arms, Wichita, and Sako offer rifles
in this caliber.
General Comments The 17 Remington has had a steady,
though unspectacular, sales record since its introduction. Its
greatest drawback is that it is a special-purpose cartridge suited
almost exclusively for varmint shooting. For the sportsman who
wants a rifle only for that purpose, this is not a disadvantage,
however those requiring a rifle for both varmint and deer hunting
would be better served with some other caliber.
With the 25-grain hollowpoint bullet loaded by Remington and
similar bullets available for handloading by Hornady, the 17
Remington must be rated as a short-range varmint cartridge. On
the other hand, it has certain advantages such as minimal recoil,
ricochet probability, and a very flat trajectory due to the high ini¬
tial velocity of over 4000 fps. Disadvantages include: rapid barrel
fouling, extreme sensitivity to slight charge weight variation and
limited component availability. Factory loaded ammunition is
available only from Remington.
17 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
25 HP
1 MR-4064
22.5
3800
801
Hornady
25 HP
1 MR-4320
24.7
4000
888
Hornady
25 HP
1 MR-4895
23.8
3900
845
Hornady
25 HP
1 MR-3031
21.6
3800
801
Hornady
25 HP
IMR-4198
19.1
4040
906
Hornady
25 HP
N135
22.8
4040
906
Vihtavuori
25 HP
FL
4020
900
Remington factory load.
Note: Remington cases and Remington 7 V 2 primers used in all loads.
.378"
-►
1
f
J
199"
i
i
8th Edition 15
Chapter 2
22 Hornet (5.6 x 35Rmm)
Historical Notes The 22 Hornet, based on the blackpowder 22
WCF, was developed during the late 1920s by a group of experi¬
menters at Springfield Armory—Col. Townsend Whelen, Captain
G. L. Wotkyns, and others. Winchester produced the first com¬
mercial ammunition in 1930. Within a few years the Hornet had
been standardized by all American manufacturers. The original
rifles were based on Springfield M1903 military and Martini sin¬
gle shot actions. Winchester announced its Model 54 bolt action
in 22 Hornet caliber in 1932, but rifles did not actually reach the
market until early 1933. Savage Model 23-D bolt-action rifles
were available in 22 Hornet by August, 1932. The Stevens single
shot Model 417 “Walnut Hill” target and 417V2 sporting rifles
were advertised in 22 Hornet caliber in 1933. During WWII, mil¬
itary survival rifles were made for the Hornet. At the present
time, Anschutz, Ruger and Ultra Light Arms chamber rifles for
the Hornet and Thompson/Center has their TCR and Contender
in the caliber. In Europe, the Hornet is known by the metric des¬
ignation 5.6x35Rmm.
General Comments The 22 Hornet was the pioneer small-bore,
high-velocity cartridge marketed in the United States primarily
for varmint and small game shooting. It has never been commer¬
cially available in anything but bolt-action and single shot rifles.
For this reason, it quickly established a reputation for superb
accuracy. No other cartridge of this type has ever caught on so
fast or achieved such wide popularity.
Although not quite as powerful as the 218 Bee, it is a perfectly
adequate small game and varmint cartridge. It remains popular,
but suffers in comparison with the 223 Remington and the 22-
250. It remains a fine choice for economical shooting at ranges
between 100 and 150 yards. Due to its reduced powder capacity,
the Hornet won’t do as well with heavier bullets of 50 or 55 grains
as will the 218 Bee. It is a good cartridge for use in settled areas
because of the light report and low incidence of ricochet. Early
rifles had bores requiring bullets of .223-inch diameter. Sierra
still offers such bullets. Later rifles had normal bores for .224-
inch diameter bullets. Most bullet manufacturers offer special
bullets for loading the Hornet. The improved “K” Hornet is
among the best known wildcats based on the Hornet and most
common of all Improved chamberings. Loaded ammunition is
available from Remington, Winchester and Norma.
22 Hornet Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
40 SP
2400
10
2700
648
Sierra
40 SP
IMR 4227
11.4
2700
648
Speer, Sierra
45 SP
2400
9.2
2500
725
Homady, Sierra
45 SP
IMR 4227
11
2600
678
Nosier, Homady, Sierra
50 SP
2400
9
2400
640
Sierra, Homady, Nosier
50 SP
IMR 4227
11
2550
694
Homady, Nosier, Sierra
55 SP
IMR 4227
10.8
2400
704
Sierra, Homady
55 SP
IMR 4198
12
2400
704
Sierra
45 SP
FL
2690
723
Factory load.
▼
.350"
1.080"—-
.244"
16 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
218 Bee
Historical Notes The 218 Bee, introduced by Winchester in
1938, was originally chambered in the Model 65 lever-action rifle,
a modernized version of the Model 1892. Considerable enthusi¬
asm greeted the announcement of this cartridge, and many mag¬
azine articles were devoted to comparing its superior killing
power and range to the 22 Hornet. Although criticized as inaccu¬
rate, some Model 65s were capable of minute-of-angle accuracy.
After WWII, Winchester brought out the Model 43 bolt-action
rifle in 218 Bee. Mechanical troubles developed in some early
models, and the rifle was discontinued. For a time, one or two
European manufacturers, such as Sako and Krico, furnished
small Mauser-type rifles in 218 Bee. At the present time, Ruger,
Marlin, Thompson/Center and Browning chamber guns for the
218 Bee. The 218 Bee is based on the 32-20 case necked-down to
22-caliber. Cases can be made by necking-down 25-20 or 32-20
brass, then fire forming.
General Comments The 218 Bee has a larger case and some¬
what greater powder capacity than the 22 Hornet. It provides
higher velocity and a greater effective range than the Hornet, and
in a good single shot or bolt-action rifle, is just as accurate. It is
one of the most economical small game or varmint cartridges
available. On small varmints it can be counted on out to 200
yards, but on coyote, bobcat or the like, it cannot be depended on
for one-shot kills farther than 150 yards. On rabbits or other edi¬
ble game it is necessary to use full-jacketed bullets or reduced
loads, otherwise it ruins much of the meat.
The Bee is easy to reload, and one can duplicate anything from
the 22 Short up to and exceeding the 22 Hornet. With modem
powders, the factory performance can be improved safely. By
using heavier bullets of 50 or 55 grains, its killing power and
range can be increased.
Although still a fine cartridge and useful for many purposes,
the 218 Bee has been largely displaced by the 223 Remington and
22-250 Remington. The 218 Bee, like the 22 Hornet, has a rela¬
tively mild report compared to the more powerful 22 centerfires
and can be used under circumstances in which the larger car¬
tridges would not be acceptable. It is a better performer than the
22 Hornet and its lack of popularity has always been something
of a mystery to me. The Bee is the basis of several useful wild¬
cats. Ackley’s version approximately equals 222 Remington per¬
formance. The 17 Bee Improved offers impressive short-barrel
performance. Factory loaded ammunition is available from Win¬
chester.
218 Bee Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
40 HP
2400
12
2800
697
Sierra
40 HP
1 MR-4227
11.7
2600
601
Homady, Sierra
45 SP
2400
11.6
2700
729
Sierra
45 SP
1 MR-4227
13
2800
784
Nosier, Sierra
50 SP
2400
10.5
2500
694
Sierra, Nosier
50 SP
1 MR-4227
12
2700
810
Homady, Sierra
55 SP
2400
10
2300
646
Sierra
55 SP
IMR-4198
14
2500
763
Sierra
55 SP
1 MR-4227
12.5
2500
763
Sierra
46 SP
FL
2760
778
Winchester factory load.
1 . 242 "
8th Edition 17
Chapter 2
222 Remington
Historical Notes The 222 Remington was introduced by Rem¬
ington in 1950 for their 722 bolt-action rifle which was later super¬
seded by the current 700 series. For a short time, the Remington
Model 760 slide-action repeater was also available in this caliber.
Much of the credit for the 222 is due to Mike Walker, a longtime
Remington employee. The cartridge became very popular with
benchrest competitors in the 1970s and varmint hunters also
found its performance excellent. But by the early 1990s the 222
Remington had lost much of its popularity to the 223 Remington.
General Comments The 222 Remington is in about the same
class as the older 219 Zipper, but is rimless and adapted to mod¬
em bolt-action rifles. It is not based on any older case necked-
down, but is of original design. It is a more or less scaled-down
version of the 30-06, and fills the gap between the 218 Bee and
the 220 Swift. It is well suited to the needs of the average person
who desires a high-velocity 22. A great many benchrest matches
have been won with the 222 Remington, and it has a reputation
for superb accuracy. It is an excellent 200-yard cartridge for the
full range of varmint and small game animals up to, but not
including, deer. It has been outlawed for big game in many of the
50 states because, like the 220 Swift, you can’t always depend on
it to kill large animals humanely. I have seen several deer and
antelope killed very cleanly with the 222 handloaded with heav¬
ier-jacketed 55- and 60-grain bullets. Range was about 125 yards.
This caliber is offered by all large domestic ammunition manu¬
facturers and several foreign companies.
222 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
40 HP
IMR 4198
20
3300
967
Speer, Sierra
40 HP
W748
26.3
3400
1027
Speer, Sierra
45 SP
H335
24.5
3100
960
Homady, Speer
45 SP
IMR 4198
21
3300
1088
Homady, Speer, Sierra, Nosier
50 SP
W748
25.8
3100
1067
Speer, Sierra, Homady
50 SP
RE 7
20.9
3150
1102
Homady, Speer, Sierra
50 SP
IMR 4198
20
3200
1132
Speer, Homady, Sierra
55 SP
H335
24
3200
1174
Sierra, Speer, Homady, Nosier
55 SP
IMR 4320
25
3000
1099
Homady, Speer
55 SP
IMR 4895
24.5
3000
1099
Speer, Hornady, Sierra
55
Varget
25.0
2095
1170
Hodgdon
60 HP
IMR 4895
23
2900
1121
Nosier, Hornady, Speer
50 SP
FL
3140
1094
Factory load
55 FMJ
FL
3020
1114
Factory load
18 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
223 Remington (5.56x45mm)
Historical Notes The 223 Remington first appeared in 1957 as
an experimental military cartridge for the Armalite AR-15
assault rifle. In 1964, it was officially adopted by the U.S. Army
as the 5.56mm Ball cartridge M193. It is used in the selective-fire
M16 rifle which is based on the original AR-15 design. The car¬
tridge was the work of Robert Hutton, who was technical editor of
Guns & Ammo magazine and had a rifle range in Topanga
Canyon, California. One of the requirements for the cartridge was
that the projectile have a retained velocity in excess of the speed
of sound (about 1080 fps at sea level) at 500 yards, something you
could not achieve with the 222 Remington. Working with Gene
Stoner of Armalite, Bob Hutton designed a case slightly longer
than the 222 and had Sierra make a 55-grain boattail bullet. This
combination met the design requirements. All this was docu¬
mented in the 1971 issue of the Guns & Ammo Annual.
Originally an alternate military cartridge, the 223
(5.56x45mm) is now the official U.S. and NATO military round.
Additional information will be found in Chapter 6 covering mili¬
tary cartridges. We should note here that NATO forces, includ¬
ing the U.S., have standardized a new 5.56x45mm round with a
heavy bullet and the M193 is no longer standard.
Shortly after the military adopted the cartridge, Remington
brought out the sporting version, which has largely replaced both
the 222 Remington and Remington Magnum in popularity. Practi¬
cally every manufacturer of bolt-action rifles has at least one mod¬
el chambered for the 223. In addition, there are a large number of
military-type semi-auto rifles available in this caliber. At one time
the Remington Model 760 slide action was available in 223.
General Comments The 223 Remington is nearly identical to
the 222 Remington Magnum, the only difference being that the
223 has a slightly shorter case. The two are not interchangeable,
although the 223 will chamber in a 222 Magnum rifle. The result,
though, is to create a gross headspace problem, and the 223 case
will rupture if fired in the 222 Magnum chamber.
The 223 has proven to be an effective military cartridge for
fighting in jungle or forested areas and for close-in fire support,
and has been improved lately by NATO with heavier (SS109
designed by FN of Belgium) bullets fired through fast-twist (1 in
7-inch) barrels. As a sporting round, it is just as accurate as any
of the other long-range, centerfire 22s. Military brass cases are
usually heavier than commercial cases so maximum loads should
be reduced by at least 10 percent and approached cautiously.
That is because the reduced case capacity results in a higher load¬
ing density and increased pressure with the same powder charge.
The 223 Remington can be classed as an excellent medium-range
varmint cartridge at ranges out to 250 yards.
In 1979, SAAMI cautioned shooters that 5.56x45mm military
chambers and throats differ from 223 Remington sporting rifle
chambers. Therefore military ball ammo may produce high cham¬
ber pressures in sporting rifles.
223 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
40 SP
IMR 3031
25
3300
1140
Sierra, Speer
40 SP
IMR 4198
22
3200
995
Sierra, Speer
45 SP
IMR 3031
25
3300
1162
Hornady, Sierra
45 SP
IMR 4198
22
3200
965
Hornady, Sierra, Speer
50 SP
IMR 3031
25.2
3250
1250
Sierra, Nosier, Hornady, Speer
50 SP
IMR 4198
21.5
3200
1155
Nosier, Hornady, Speer, Sierra
55 SP
IMR 3031
24.5
3200
1330
Hornady, Nosier, Sierra
55 SP
W748
25
3000
1110
Hornady, Nosier, Sierra
55
Varget
27.5
3384
1395
Hodgdon
60 HP
IMR 3031
24
3100
1130
Hornady, Sierra
80
Varget
25.0
2869
1460
Hodgdon
55 SP
FL
3240
1280
Factory load
55 FMJBT
FL
3250
1290
Military load
40 HP
FL
3650
1185
Federal factory load
60 HP
FL
3100
1280
Remington factory load
64 SP
FL
3020
1296
Winchester factory load
69 HP
FL
3000
1380
Federal factory load
8th Edition 19
Chapter 2
222 Remington Magnum
Historical Notes The 222 Remington Magnum was originally
developed as an experimental military cartridge in a cooperative
effort between Remington and Springfield Arsenal. Since it was
never adopted by the military, Remington introduced it as a
sporting round in 1958 as one of the calibers for their Model 722
bolt-action rifle, and also for a time in the later 700 series bolt-
action rifles. At present, no Remington rifles are available in this
caliber. None of the other major American sporting arms manu¬
facturing companies offer the 222 Remington Magnum among
their choice of calibers. The 222 Remington Magnum is fast head¬
ing for obsolescence.
General Comments In comparison to the standard 222 Rem¬
ington, the magnum version has about 20 percent greater case
capacity, and consequently delivers 100 or so fps higher muzzle
velocity and an effective range of between 50 and 75 yards
greater than the 222. Though its case capacity is 4 to 5 percent
greater than the 223 Remington, the performance of these two is
indistinguishable because the 222 Remington Magnum is factory
loaded to a lower maximum pressure. The 222 Magnum is near¬
ly Vio-inch longer than the 223 in overall case length and it is also
slightly longer in body length. As a result, the two are not inter¬
changeable, and although the 223 can be chambered and fired in
a 222 Magnum rifle, a dangerous headspace condition exists and
case rupture is certain to occur when the round is fired. The 222
Remington Magnum is every bit as accurate as the standard 222
or the 223 and is certainly adequate for anything up to, but not
including, deer. It never achieved the popularity of the standard
222 and has been largely superseded by the 223 Remington. It is,
nevertheless, a very fine long-range varmint cartridge. Reming¬
ton still manufactures ammunition in this caliber.
222 Remington Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
45 SP
H-380
29.5
3400
1125
Homady
45 SP
BL-C2
27
3400
1236
Homady, Sierra
45 SP
IMR 4895
27
3400
1082
Speer, Hornady
50 SP
H-380
30
3400
1180
Homady
50 SP
BL-C2
26
3300
1190
Nosier, Homady, Speer
50 SP
IMR 3031
26
3300
1204
Speer
55 SP
H-380
29
3200
1234
Homady
55 SP
RL-7
22
3200
1170
Sierra
55 SP
IMR 3031
26
3300
1332
Speer
55 SP
IMR 4064
26
3300
1340
Homady
60 HP
IMR 4895
25
3000
1242
Nosier, Hornady
55 SP
FL
3240
1282
Remington factory load.
1 . 850 "
-- 1 . 463 "
1.586"-*
20 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
22PPC
Historical Notes The 22 PPC was developed in 1974 by Dr.
Louis Palmisano and Ferris Pindell, primarily as a benchrest car¬
tridge. Although originally a wildcat, Sako of Finland introduced
commercial rifles and ammunition late in 1987. Norma followed
suit in 1993 with loaded ammunition. Since it is an American
development, it is listed here as a current American rifle car¬
tridge rather than as a European cartridge. The cartridge is
based on the 220 Russian case which is a necked-down version of
the 7.62x39mm Soviet military cartridge. The Wichita Engineer¬
ing and Supply Co. made the first rifles for both the 22 and 6mm
PPC cartridges. Many custom rifles have been turned out in this
caliber. In 1993 Ruger announced their No. IV and M77 varmint
rifles in this caliber.
General Comments The originators altered the 220 Russian
case by giving it a 10-degree body taper and 30-degree shoulder
angle, as well as expanding the neck to accept the standard .224-
inch diameter bullet used in the U.S. The cartridge cases are
made in Finland by Sako or in Sweden by Norma and use Small
Rifle primers. Although the 22 PPC is a short rather stubby case
only 1.51 inches long, it nevertheless develops ballistics superior
to some larger, longer cartridges such as the 222 and 223 Rem¬
ington. The 52-grain bullet can be pushed out of the muzzle at
over 3500 fps, and this definitely places the 22 PPC in the
varmint and small game class. A 1 in 14-inch twist has become
pretty much standard for these rifles although 1 in 12-inch twist
will sometimes be found.
22 PPC Loading Data and Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
52 HP
BL-C2
28.3
3400
1335
Speer
52 HP
W748
28.0
3300
1258
Speer, Nosier, Hornady
55 SP
H-335
27.0
3200
1251
Speer, Nosier
55 SP
W748
28.0
3200
1251
Hornady, Nosier, Speer
52 HP
FL
3400
1335
Sako factory load.
1 . 505 "
.445
8th Edition 21
Chapter 2
225 Winchester
Historical Notes The 225 Winchester was officially announced
in June 1964. Both the standard and a heavier-barreled varmint
version of the Model 70 bolt action were offered for this round.
The 225 replaced the older 220 Swift in the Winchester lineup. It
is a rimmed case with an unusually large rim for this type of car¬
tridge. The 220 Swift never achieved great popularity and neither
did its replacement, the 225. The last Winchester catalog to list
the cartridge as a caliber available for the Model 70 rifle was in
1972. No other manufacturer picked it up as a standard cham¬
bering because the already popular 22-250 was standardized by
Remington less than a year later, and it was just common sense
to adopt it instead. Winchester still loads 225 ammunition but
this cartridge did not have a very long life, being semi-obsolete in
only 8 years.
General Comments The 225 is a fine varmint cartridge with
performance similar to the 224 Weatherby or the 22-250. But the
22-250 was already established as a popular wildcat with an out¬
standing reputation, and it was inevitable that it would dominate
the field. Those who purchased 225 Winchester rifles have no
need to feel bad or trade them off for anything else because the
225 cartridge is just as accurate and will do anything that the
more popular 22-250 will do. It simply turned out to be a design or
idea whose time had not yet arrived. As a matter of fact, it might
be well to hang on to your 225 because not a great many were sold
and eventually some gun writer will rediscover it as the greatest
22 varmint cartridge conceived by the mind of man, and at that
point all your shooting friends will wish they had one too. The 225
has an edge over both the 222 and the 223 Remington for long-
range varmint shooting because of the increased muzzle velocity.
At one time, Winchester was supposed to furnish a 50-grain load¬
ing at 3800 fps and a 60-grain at 3500 fps, along with the stan¬
dard 55-grain at 3650 fps (now reduced to 3570 fps), but these
loads never materialized. For handloaders, this cartridge is noth¬
ing more than a slightly modified 30-30. Neck down the 30-30 to
22 caliber, shorten the case slightly, turn the rim to ’06 dimen¬
sions and slightly improve and you have the 225 Winchester.
225 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet(grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
40 HP
IMR 4064
31.5
3400
1027
Speer, Sierra
45 SP
IMR 4064
33
3600
1295
Homady, Speer
50 SP
IMR 3031
31
3400
1284
Speer, Nosier, Homady
50 SP
IMR 4895
33
3600
1439
Sierra
55 SP
IMR 4320
34.5
3700
1672
Homady
60 HP
IMR 4064
31.8
3500
1632
Homady
70 SP
IMR 4350
34.5
3000
1399
Speer
55 SP
FL
3570
1556
Winchester factory load
22 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
224 Weatherby Magnum
Historical Notes The Weatherby line of proprietary cartridges
was somewhat incomplete for lack of an ultra-velocity 22. The
previous 220 Weatherby Rocket was actually an improved wild¬
cat based on the 220 Swift case, and Weatherby never manufac¬
tured ammunition of this caliber. The 224 Varmintmaster was
introduced in 1963, but according to the late Roy Weatherby,
development work went back 10 years prior to this. Introduction
of the cartridge was delayed due to lack of a suitable action. The
caliber is available in a reduced-size version of the Weatherby
Mark V rifle. At present no one else chambers this caliber.
General Comments The 224 Weatherby lies ballistically
between the 223 Remington and the 220 Swift. It is a belted case
with the advantages and disadvantages inherent in this type of
construction. For the handloader, it eliminates certain headspace
and case-stretch problems and should provide maximum case life.
It is an excellent long-range varmint cartridge with performance
similar to the 22-250 Remington. Its popularity has been deter¬
mined largely by economic factors. One can buy a Remington,
Ruger or Winchester bolt action in 22-250 caliber for about one-
quarter the price of a Weatherby. The 224 Weatherby is, never¬
theless, a fine choice to those who don’t mind the extra cost. It is
the smallest belted case presently manufactured commercially.
224 Weatherby Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
40 HP
IMR 4198
28.5
4100
1493
Sierra
45 SP
IMR 4198
28
3900
1520
Sierra
50 SP
IMR 4064
32.8
3800
1604
Homady, Sierra
50 SP
IMR 4895
33
3800
1604
Hornady
53 HP
IMR 4064
32
3600
1526
Homady, Sierra
55 SP
IMR 4064
32
3600
1583
Sierra, Hornady
55 SP
IMR 4895
32
3600
1583
Homady
55 SP
FL
3650
1627
Factory load
60 HP
IMR 4895
31.5
3500
1632
Homady
Weatherby Mark V Lazermark
8th Edition 23
Chapter 2
22-250 Remington
(22 Varminter, 22 Wotkyns Original Swift)
Historical Notes The 22-250 Remington was adopted early in
1965 as one of the calibers for the Remington 700 series bolt-action
rifles, and also for the Model 40XB match rifle. Browning bolt-
action rifles were offered in 22-250 caliber two years earlier. This
is not a factory design, but rather a popular wildcat that has been
around for many years and made good. However, Remington’s
adoption of the round moved it into the commercial classification.
There is some confusion regarding date of origin of the 22-250
which is based on the 250-3000 Savage case necked to 22-caliber.
Its moniker is derived from the caliber (22) and the parent case
name (250). The parent cartridge was introduced in 1915 and a 22
version may have been made up experimentally shortly thereafter.
Harvey Donaldson, Grosvenor Wotkyns, J. E. Gebby, J. B. Smith
and John Sweany all worked on versions of the 22-250 between
1934 and 1937. J. E. Gebby and J.B. Smith are usually credited
with having developed the present configuration in 1937. However,
there are different versions of this cartridge and much depends on
which one is referred to. The Gebby version was named the 22
“Varminter” and he obtained a copyright on the name. Other gun¬
smiths renamed it the 22-250. The Wotkyns version was the fore¬
runner of the 220 Swift, although Winchester ended up using the
6mm Lee Navy case rather than the 250 Savage.
At the present time, all of the major American and European
rifle makers furnish bolt-action rifles in 22-250 chambering. In
addition, the Ruger, Thompson/Center, and other single shots are
available in this caliber.
General Comments The 22-250 is one of the best balanced and
most flexible of the high-powered 22 centerfires. It is also the
most popular of the long-range 22 varmint cartridges, effective to
ranges of400 yards or more. The 22-250 also has a reputation for
outstanding accuracy and has been used with some success for
benchrest shooting. Many individuals who have had experience
with both the 22-250 and the 220 Swift report that the former
gives significantly longer case life with full loads than the latter.
The 22-250, as with most of the other high-powered 22s, is not
recommended for use on deer or other medium game. The reason,
of course, is that the fight varmint bullets are made to expand
quickly and will not offer sufficient penetration on a large animal.
Based on personal experience, and purely as a matter of opinion,
I would rate the 22-250 as the best all-round, long-range 22
varmint cartridge available today.
22-250 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
40 HP
IMR 4895
36
3900
1345
Speer, Sierra
40 HP
IMR 3031
35
3900
1345
Sierra, Speer
40
Varget
39.5
4135
1515
Hodgdon
45 SP
IMR 4064
37
3900
1520
Speer, Sierra
45 SP
IMR 3031
32
3500
1224
Hornady, Speer
50 SP
IMR 4064
36
3700
1520
Homady, Speer, Sierra
50 SP
IMR 3031
34.5
3700
1520
Speer, Homady, Sierra
55 SP
IMR 4064
35
3600
1580
Homady, Speer, Sierra
55 SP
RL-7
29
3500
1496
Sierra
55 SP
IMR 4320
35
3500
1496
Nosier, Homady, Sierra
60 HP
RL-7
28
3300
1451
Sierra
60 HP
IMR 4320
34
3500
1630
Homady, Nosier, Sierra
70 SP
IMR 4064
33
3300
1690
Speer
70 SP
N205
41
3300
1690
40 HP
FL
4000
1420
Federal factory load.
55 SP
FL
3680
1655
Factory load.
24 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes The 220 Swift was developed by Winchester
and introduced in 1935 as a new caliber for their Model 54 bolt-
action rifle. When the Model 70 Winchester bolt action was first
issued in 1936, the 220 Swift was one of the standard calibers
offered and continued to be until 1964 when it was discontinued.
Now the Savage Model 112V, the Ruger Model 77 and the Ruger
No. IV single shot are offered in the 220 Swift chambering. The
Model 70 Winchester is no longer made in this caliber. Norma of
Sweden lists the 220 Swift with a 50-grain bullet at 4110 fps, and
they also sell unprimed brass cases for reloading. Homady/Fron-
tier offers a 55-grain SP and a 60-grain HP loading.
The prototype for the 220 Swift was developed in 1934-35 by
Grosvenor Wotkyns who necked-down the 250-3000 Savage as a
means of achieving very high velocities. However, the final com¬
mercial version developed by Winchester is based on the old 6mm
Lee Navy cartridge necked-down. It is a semi-rimmed case.
General Comments The 220 Swift was and still is the fastest
commercial cartridge in the world. It is also one of the most accu¬
rate super-velocity 22 cartridges ever developed. Its popularity
has been somewhat retarded by the fact that ammunition in this
caliber is expensive. Swift barrels have never been noted for long
life, but this factor has been negated to a large degree by devel¬
opment of modem, erosion-resistant barrel steels since WWII.
Factory ammunition has always featured the 48-grain and 50-
grain bullets, but the Swift will handle the 55-grain or heavier
bullets quite well, at slightly reduced maximum velocity. The 220
Swift is considered adequate on all animals up to deer-size. There
is certainly plenty of field evidence to demonstrate that on occa¬
sion it will give fantastic one-shot kills on deer and antelope.
However, the 220 Swift tends to be erratic in its performance on
large animals, and most states will not permit its use on big game
of any kind. Properly constructed bullets would almost certainly
solve this problem on animals to mule deer size. In any case, fac¬
tory bullets are designed for quick expansion on light animals.
Most varmint hunters agree that the 220 Swift is the best
varmint cartridge made. It remains a popular caliber despite the
fact that no domestic major manufacturer offers it.
220 Swift Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
40 HP
IMR 4064
39
4000
1421
Speer, Sierra
40
Varget
40.5
4113
1500
Hodgdon
45 HP
IMR 4350
41.5
3600
1295
Hornady, Speer, Sierra
45 SP
IMR 3031
37
4000
1599
Hornady, Speer, Sierra
45 SP
IMR 4895
38.5
3900
1520
Sierra
45 SP
H-380
43
3850
1481
Speer, Sierra
50 SP
IMR 4320
39
4400
1689
Sierra
50 SP
IMR 3031
37
4000
1777
Sierra
55 SP
IMR 4350
44
3800
1764
Speer, Hornady
55 SP
IMR 4320
40
3000
1955
Sierra
55 SP
H-380
42
3800
1764
Nosier, Sierra, Speer
60 HP
IMR 4895
33
3400
1541
Hornady, Sierra
*48 SP
FL
4110
1800
Factory Load
50 SP
FL
4110
1877
Norma Factory Load
55 SP
FL
3650
1627
Hornady/Frontier Factory Load
60 HP
FL
3600
1727
Hornady/Frontier Factory Load
Discontinued loading.
- 2 . 205 "
^. 049 "
1 . 722 "-
- 1 . 905 "
8th Edition 25
Chapter 2
Historical Notes The 22 Accelerator is not a new cartridge, but
rather a special loading of 30-30, 308 and 30-06 cartridges using
a sub-caliber .224-inch diameter bullet held in a discarding 30-
caliber plastic sabot. These loadings were introduced by Reming¬
ton, the 30-06 in 1977 and the 30-30 and the 308 in subsequent
years. All versions employ a 55-grain .224-caliber softpoint bullet
retained in a 7-grain, six-fingered, plastic sabot with a hollow
base. According to the 1979 Remington catalog, the rifling of the
barrel imparts spin, which, combined with air resistance, causes
the bullet and sabot to separate approximately 14 inches from the
muzzle. The 30-30-224 Accelerator has a muzzle velocity of 3400
fps; the 308 version has a cataloged muzzle velocity of 3800 fps;
and the 30-06-224 the impressive muzzle velocity of4080 fps. The
existence of three different 30-caliber Accelerator rounds seems to
indicate commercial success. Remington originally intended to
offer other Accelerator calibers but these never materialized.
General Comments The author’s experience shooting Acceler¬
ator cartridges indicated that accuracy is not as good as when the
same 55-grain bullet is fired in one of the high-velocity centerfire
22 rifles, such as the 222 Remington, 22-250, etc. Most of these
rifles, when properly tuned, will deliver minute-of-angle groups
or better. Shooting at 100 yards and using various rifles, I was
unable to print any groups with the 30-30 Accelerator that ran
under 2 V 2 inches or under 2 inches with the 30-06 (five-shot
groups). Actually, the Accelerator cartridges appear to group
about the same as the standard 30-caliber cartridge does in the
same rifle. This is just what the factory says it will do. In other
words, if your rifle ordinarily makes 3-inch five-shot groups at
100 yards, it isn’t going to do any better with the Accelerator.
However, from a practical point of view, the Accelerator loads will
allow one to use a regular 30-30 or 30-06 big game rifle for
varmint shooting. The lack of MOA accuracy might restrict effec¬
tive range to 200 yards or less, but this will vary greatly with
individual rifles. The Accelerator concept is of greater usefulness
to the shooter who does not reload than to the fellow who can cook
up his own varmint loads with light 110-grain 30-caliber bullets.
After firing, the plastic sabots are usually found anywhere from
40 to 100 feet in front of the muzzle. Remington has applied an
old principle to modem sporting ammunition and come up with a
very useful innovation.
Sabotted military loads, both as new loadings for old chamber-
ings and for sabot specific guns, are most effective. Likely, sabot-
specific sporting guns could be accurate enough for sporting
purposes and external ballistics could be most impressive.
22 Accelerator Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
MV
ME
Source
30-30 Accelerator
55 SP
3400
1412
Remington factory load
308 Accelerator
55 SP
3770
1735
Remington factory load
30-06 Accelerator
55 SP
4080
2003
Remington factory load
Remington “Accelerator” bullet leaving muzzle at 4080 feet per second. Remington “Accelerator” sabot and bullet 18 inches from
muzzle.
26 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
6mm PPC
Historical Notes The 6mm PPC is an outgrowth of the 22 PPC
and based on the same case configuration with the neck expanded
to take 6mm (.243-inch) bullets. This cartridge was also developed
by Dr. Louis Palmisano and Ferris Pindell and based on the 220
Russian case, which is a variation of the 7.62x39mm (M43) Soviet
militaiy cartridge. The original rifles were made by Wichita Engi¬
neering and Supply Co. in 1975. Many custom rifles have been
made up in this caliber in both sporter and benchrest types.
Although originally a benchrest wildcat, Sako of Finland began
turning out commercial bolt-action rifles and supplying loaded
ammunition late in 1987. In 1993 Ruger announced that their M77
Varmint and No. 1 Varmint rifles would be offered in this caliber
and at the same time Norma announced factory loaded ammuni¬
tion. The 6mm PPC is one of the top competitive benchrest car¬
tridges. In addition to loaded ammunition and factory cases, many
handloaders make their own cases by fireforming 220 Russian cas¬
es or necking-down and reforming 7.62x39mm brass.
General Comments Chronograph tests by various individu¬
als have demonstrated that the 6mm PPC gives very uniform
velocity readings, which accounts for its fine accuracy. On the
other hand, practically all rifles chambered for the cartridge
are heavy barrel accuracy jobs, and that must also be a factor.
Rifles for match shooting usually have a 1 in 14-inch twist,
although a few are turned out with a 1 in 12-inch twist. The
6mm PPC is not only an outstanding benchrest cartridge, but
gives very good results on small game and varmints. It is only
slightly less powerful than the 243 Winchester despite the
much smaller case. It should also do well on deer or antelope
at moderate ranges. The velocity with the 90-grain bullet is
only some 100 to 150 fps less than the 243 Winchester. Popu¬
larity of this caliber is growing beyond benchrest shooting;
varmint hunters are now taking it up as well. Look for contin¬
ued growth here.
6mm PPC Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
60 HP
H322
28.4
3200
1365
Sierra
70 HP
H335
29
3100
1494
Homady, Sierra
75 HP
H-322
26.7
3100
1601
Homady, Speer, Sierra
80 SP
W748
29
2800
1393
Speer
85 SP
H-335
28.0
3000
1699
Speer
90 SP
H-335
29
3000
1799
Speer
70 SP
FL
3140
1535
Sako factory load.
<
1 . 243 -
8th Edition 27
Chapter 2
6mm Bench Rest Remington
(6mm BR Remington)
Historical Notes The 6mm BR Remington is one of eight car¬
tridges based on the 308xlV2-inch case necked either up or down.
It is impossible to determine who first came up with the 6mm
version because a number of individuals claim the honor, dating
back to 1962 and 1963, shortly after the author introduced the
308x1V 2 -inch. However, Mike Walker of Remington Arms
deserves credit for standardizing dimensions and configuration
in 1978. This allowed the cartridge to be adopted as a standard
commercial cartridge. In late 1988, Remington announced that
the 6mm BR would be produced as loaded factory ammunition.
Prior to that, it was a sort of factory wildcat. Cases had to be
formed from Remington BR brass, which is actually a modified
308 Winchester with a Small Rifle primer pocket, comparatively
thin walls and annealing to facilitate reforming. The factory load
has a 100-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 2550 fps and
muzzle energy of 1444 fpe. The 6mm BR was intended primarily
as a benchrest cartridge, but it also makes a good varmint num¬
ber. It is currently available as one of the chamberings for the
Remington XP-100 single shot pistol. ( Since the 6mm BR was in
use before it was a factory round, there will be some chamber con¬
fusion. The original chambers were mostly intended for cases with
turned necks. Editor)
General Comments The 6mm BR is similar to the 6mm PPC,
except that the case is of larger diameter and has about 10 per¬
cent greater volumetric capacity. The 6mm PPC is loaded some¬
what hotter them the 6mm BR with some loading manuals fisting
the 90-grain bullet at around 3000 fps. There is no reason why
the 6mm BR can’t do anything the 6mm PPC can. And, the avail¬
ability of factory ammunition should increase its popularity. This
will also help overcome one of the problems with the 6mm PPC—
the matter of obtaining suitable brass on an over-the-counter
basis and at a reasonable price. Remington is the only manufac¬
turer to take up commercial production of this caliber.
6mm BR Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
70 SP
W748
32
3200
1592
Homady
75 HP
W748
33
3200
1706
Homady
80 SP
W748
31.5
3100
1708
Hornady
80 SP
RL-7
24
2900
1494
Hornady
80
Varget
32.5
3159
1740
Hodgdon
87 SP
W748
31
3000
1739
Homady
87 SP
H-322
25.5
2800
1515
Homady
100SP
FL
2550
1444
Remington factory load.
28 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
243 Winchester
Historical Notes The 243 Winchester was introduced by Win¬
chester in 1955 for their Model 70 bolt-action and Model 88 lever-
action rifles. The 243 was quickly adopted by Savage for their
Model 99 lever- and Model 110 bolt-action rifles. All of the British
and European manufacturers began chambering bolt-action rifles
for this round. In fact, even Remington, who developed their own
6mm, had to recognize the popularity of the 243 and start cham¬
bering their rifles for it. The 243 (6mm) Winchester is nothing
more than the 308 Winchester case necked-down. Original devel¬
opment and publicity was due largely to the efforts of gun writer,
the late Warren Page, who along with other wildcatters worked
out a similar version before Winchester. The 243 is probably
chambered in more different rifles than any other cartridge,
except possibly the 30-06 Springfield. All other manufacturers of
rifles offer this caliber.
General Comments The 243 Winchester represents a success¬
ful effort to develop light deer rifle caliber that could hold its own
with the high-velocity 22s for long-range use on small targets and
still be adequate for larger animals. The 243 does this job well. It
eliminates the need to own two different rifles for anything from
small game and pests up to and including deer and antelope. The
80-grain bullet is intended primarily for varmint and small game
and the 100-grain bullet for deer-size animals. The 257 Roberts
and the 250-3000 Savage are supposed to cover the same range
and certainly do. However, the 25-caliber bullets don’t have the
sectional density for long-range varmint shooting until bullet
weight gets up to 120 grains, and then the velocity falls off badly.
All major domestic and overseas manufacturers of commercial
ammunition offer this caliber. Its popularity as a deer caliber has
prevailed over its varmint capabilities.
243 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
75 HP
IMR 4064
40
3300
1814
Homady, Speer
80 SP
IMR 4320
38
3000
1599
Speer, Hornady
85 SP
H-380
38.5
3100
1814
Sierra
90 SP
IMR 4831
44
3000
1799
Speer, Sierra
95 SP
IMR 3031
35
2900
1775
Nosier
100 SP
IMR 4350
42
2900
1868
Sierra, Hornady
80 SP
FL
3550
1993
Factory load
85 SP
FL
3320
2080
Factory load
100 SP
FL
2960
1945
Factory load
105 SP
FL
3100
2133
Factory load.
Chapter 2
6mm Remington
(244 Remington)
Historical Notes The 6mm Remington has exactly the same
case dimensions as the 244 Remington. They differ only in the
fact that the 6mm Remington is loaded with bullets of up to 100
grains, whereas the 244 Remington was never loaded with bul¬
lets of over 90 grains weight. Ammunition marked 244 Reming¬
ton can be fired in 6mm Remington chambers and vice versa.
However, rifles marked 244 Remington will not stabilize the 100-
grain bullet. The difference in the two is that 244 rifles (if manu¬
factured by Remington) have a 1 in 12-inch rifling twist and rifles
marked 6mm have a 1 in 9-inch twist. When Remington intro¬
duced the 244 in 1955 they selected the 1 in 12-inch twist as best
suited to long-range accuracy with bullets of 80 grains. They were
correct except that most shooters wanted to be able to use bullets
of 100 to 105 grains in order to cover the range of game from
varmints through deer with the same rifle. To correct this mis¬
judgement, Remington renamed the cartridge 6mm Remington
and changed to a 1 in 9-inch twist. To have retained the 244 des¬
ignation and simply change the twist would have brought on com¬
plaints from purchasers of the original 244s with the slower twist
when they tried to use the new 100-grain load. The change in car¬
tridge nomenclature to 6mm and the faster twist occurred in
1963. The Remington 700 series and 788 bolt-action rifles as well
as their autoloaders and the slide actions have been available in
6mm.
General Comments The original 6mm Remington was loaded
only with the 100-grain bullet. However, it is now available with
80-, 90- and 100-grain bullets which greatly extends its flexibility.
Although the older 244 lost out to the 243 Winchester, the 6mm
Remington is gradually picking up a following. It is an excellent
choice for the varmint hunter who also wants to use his rifle for
deer and antelope. Although the 6mm has a slightly larger pow¬
der capacity than the 243, the difference in performance is negli¬
gible as far as killing power is concerned. Nevertheless, this small
advance in ballistics appeals to some people and so does the
longer neck of the 6mm case, which many handloaders consider
desirable. This caliber is commercially loaded by Federal and
Winchester as well as Remington.
6mm Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV3
ME
Source
60 HP
H-335
42
3700
1824
Sierra
70 SP
IMR 4350
47
3400
1797
Sierra, Hornady
75 HP
IMR 4064
41
3500
2041
Speer, Nosier
75 HP
IMR 4350
47
3450
1983
Nosier, Speer, Sierra
80 SP
IMR 4350
45
3200
1820
Hornady
80 SP
IMR 4831
47
3200
1820
Hornady, Speer
90 HP
IMR 4350
45
3200
2047
Speer, Sierra
90 HP
IMR 4831
45
3100
1921
Speer, Sierra
100 SP
IMR 4350
42
2900
1868
Hornady, Speer, Sierra, Nosier
100 SP
IMR 4831
44
2900
1868
Speer, Sierra, Hornady
100
H1000
51.0
3111
2145
Hodgdon
105 SP
IMR 4350
42
2950
2030
Speer
105 SP
IMR 4064
37
2900
1961
Speer
80 SP
FL
3470
2139
Factory load.
90 SP
FL
3190
2133
Factory load.
100 SP
FL
3100
2133
Factory load.
1 . 724 "
1.881 *
2 . 233 "
30 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
240 Weatherby Magnum
Historical Notes The 240 Weatherby was added to round out
the Weatherby proprietary magnum line in 1968. It differs from
other 6mms in having a belted case with somewhat greater pow¬
der capacity. It is very similar to the 240 Belted Rimless Nitro-
Express introduced by Holland & Holland around 1923. Thus far,
it is available only in the Weatherby Mark V bolt-action rifle or
through custom gunsmiths. It is an excellent cartridge and will
push the 100-grain 6mm bullet with about 200 fps greater muzzle
velocity than the 6mm Remington and around 400 fps faster than
the 243 Winchester. However, a considerable portion of this bal¬
listic advantage results from increased barrel length and loading
pressure. It is important to allow plenty of barrel cooling time
with this, and all, high-intensity cartridges. It is a more effective
deer and antelope cartridge than the other two. The principal
detraction regarding the 240 Weatherby Magnum is that ammu¬
nition is expensive and difficult to find outside of the large cities.
The 240 case has about the same capacity as the 30-06 and the
rim diameter is also the same.
General Comments The 240 Weatherby is the most powerful
of the 6mm cartridges. It represents the maximum performance
that one can squeeze through a 6mm tube with modem powders.
The 244 H&H Belted Rimless Magnum, based on necking-down
the 375 H&H Magnum case, will hold more powder but doesn’t
produce any improvement in ballistics. The late Roy Weatherby
built a successful proprietary gun business on the basis of a good
product plus the all-important element of ballistic one-upman¬
ship. The Weatherby magnum cartridges have traditionally
offered higher velocity and energy than their standard factory
counterpart. The 240 was bom of this same tradition. Of course,
Remington, Winchester, Norma et al have their own magnum
line in various calibers, and Winchester offered the 300 and 375
H&H Magnums before WWII. However, Roy Weatherby was the
first to really popularize this British innovation in the U.S. He
convinced the American shooters that it was something they tru¬
ly needed. For the hunter who must have that extra edge in a
6mm rifle, the 240 Weatherby is the cartridge of choice.
240 Weatherby Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
60 HP
IMR 4350
53
3800
1924
Sierra
70 HP
IMR 4350
52
3700
2128
Homady, Nosier
75 HP
IMR 4320
50.5
3800
2405
Homady
80 SP
IMR 4831
52.5
3500
2177
Homady, Speer
85 SP
IMR 4350
51
3450
2247
Nosier, Speer, Sierra
90 SP
IMR 4831
52
3400
2311
Speer, Hornady, Sierra
95 SP
IMR 4350
47
3050
1963
Nosier
100 SP
IMR 4831
52
3300
2419
Homady
105 SP
IMR 4831
49.5
3150
2314
Speer
70 HP
FL
3850
2304
Weatherby factory load
87 SP
FL
3500
2366
Weatherby factory load
100 SP
FL
3395
2559
Weatherby factory load
Chapter 2
25-20 Winchester (25-20 WCF)
Historical Notes The 25-20 Winchester Center Fire was devel¬
oped for the short action of the Winchester Model 1892 lever-
action rifle. It is the repeating version of the older 25-20 single
shot, but is based on the 32-20 necked-down. There is a difference
in opinion as to when it was actually introduced. Some authori¬
ties say 1893, others 1895. In any event, it was quickly adopted
by a majority of the gun manufacturers and achieved consider¬
able popularity. The Winchester lever-action 1892 and modern¬
ized Model 65, Remington slide-action Model 25, Marlin
slide-action 27 and lever-action Model 94, and the Savage bolt-
action repeater Model 23, were all available in 25-20 WCF. Mar¬
lin has reintroduced the 25-20 WCF in their Model 1894CL lever
action. Winchester also loaded this same chambering with a
slightly different bullet shape and headstamped it 25-20 Marlin.
General Comments Prior to the 22 Hornet and the 218 Bee,
the 25-20 WCF was one of the most popular small game and
varmint cartridges. It was also advertised as being suitable for
deer and similar animals. No doubt it has killed plenty of deer,
but it is not a satisfactory big game cartridge by any standard.
(Editor’s note: Decades ago my uncle dropped two bull elk, quite
dead, with three shots from his Model 92 in 25-20. Marksmanship
has always mattered.) Today, it is universally outlawed for big
game hunting. On smaller animals, the 60-grain bullet is quite
effective for 100- to 150-yard varmint shooting. The 86-grain soft-
point or lead bullet does a fine job on rabbit or turkey to 125
yards. A great many rifles were made in this caliber and are still
in use by trappers, ranchers and farmers. Under certain condi¬
tions, the 25-20 repeater is still a useful small game number. It
will probably be around for a good many more years. The 60-
grain bullet can’t be improved by handloading, but the 86-grain
can be stepped up to over 1700 fjps.
The 25-20 is another old-timer the author has played around
with at various times. Ownership of a Winchester Model 1892
lever action and later a Winchester Low Wall single shot in this
caliber allowed ample opportunity to test its potential for small
game and varmint hunting. It will do the job, but has serious
range limitations due in part to bullet design. The 60-grain high-
velocity load achieves its maximum expansion at a range of
between 50 and 70 yards. Beyond that good bullet placement is
essential if the animal is not going to crawl off and die a lingering
death. At ranges out to 50 yards the bullet expansion will ruin
most of the edible meat on small game. The 86-grain bullet is a
better load for meat hunting although the lower velocity requires
good distance judgement at ranges much beyond 75 yards.
On the other hand, the 25-20 is one of those cartridges that can
be improved to a satisfying degree by handloading. The 86-grain
bullet can be loaded to deliver around 1700 fps, but the 60-grain
bullet can’t be improved much over the factory load. The 25-20 is
also capable of very good accuracy when fired in a single shot or
bolt-action rifle. My Winchester single shot would do better than
2-inch groups at 100 yards with handloads. Both Winchester and
Remington continue to offer this caliber only with the 86-grain
bullet.
25-20 Winchester (25 WCF) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
60 SP
2400 9.6
2200
645
Homady
60 SP
H-4227 11
2200
645
Hornady
60 SP
FL
2250
675
Factory load.
86 SP
FL
1460
407
Factory load.
32 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
25-35 Winchester (25-35 WCF)
Historical Notes The 25-35 was developed by Winchester and
introduced in 1895 for the Model 94 lever-action rifle. Along with
the 30-30, it was one of the first small-bore, smokeless powder,
sporting cartridges developed in the United States. Winchester,
Marlin and Savage all chambered repeating lever-action rifles for
this cartridge. Quite a few single shot rifles also chambered the
25-35, and in Europe it was used in combination-type arms. No
American rifles have been made for the 25-35 since the end of
WWII.
General Comments The 25-35 is one of the most accurate car¬
tridges available in the older lever-action rifles. In a good solid-
frame single shot, it will shoot about as accurately as any 25 ever
developed. It does not have sufficient velocity for long-range
shooting. It has never been noted for great stopping power on
deer or similar animals. In fact it is illegal for this purpose in
many states. There are still a large number of 25-35 rifles in use,
but it is more or less obsolete. It is not nearly as effective as the
250-3000 Savage, 257 Roberts or any of the more modem 6mm
cartridges. However, it does have moderate recoil and will do a
good job on small game and varmints at medium ranges. Modem
powders would allow significant ballistic improvement if loads
were at the same pressure as the current 30-30 factory ammuni¬
tion. Loaded thus, this cartridge might not appear quite so ane¬
mic and would be better suited to deer hunting. Ackley’s
improved version provides impressive performance. Winchester
is the only remaining manufacturer of this caliber.
25-35 Winchester (25 WCF) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
60 SP
IMR 4064
30.5
2800
1045
Homady
60 SP
IMR 4320
32
2900
1120
Homady
117 SP
IMR 3031
25.5
2300
1375
Homady
117 SP
IMR 4320
27
2200
1258
Homady
117 SP
FL
2230
1292
Winchester factory load.
Winchester Repeating Rifle, Model 1894.
Made For 25-35 And .50 W. C. F.3s W. S.32-40 And .38-55 Cartridges.
8th Edition 33
Chapter 2
250 Savage (250-3000)
Historical Notes Designed by Charles Newton, the 250 Savage
was introduced by the Savage Arms Company as a high-velocity
round for the Model 99 lever-action rifle. The original loading
used an 87-grain bullet at 3000 fps muzzle velocity, and Savage
named it the 250-3000. One suspects the 87-grain bullet was cho¬
sen because it could be safely driven at 3000 fps with the powders
then available. This allowed Savage to introduce it with the ever
so sexy name 250-3000. Remember in 1915, when this cartridge
was introduced, riflemen were still marvelling at cartridges
achieveing 2000 fps. About 1932, the 100-grain bullet load was
marketed by Peters Cartridge Company and later the velocity of
the 87-grain bullet was slightly increased. Now it is simply called
the 250 Savage. The Savage Model 20 and 40 bolt-action rifles
also chambered the round, as did the Winchester Model 54 and
70 bolt actions. Late in 1971, Savage announced that their Model
99 would again be available in this caliber. Others, such as Ruger
and Remington, have made rifles in this caliber also.
General Comments Flat trajectory, outstanding accuracy and
good killing power on anything up to and including deer are
established characteristics of the 250 Savage. It was, and is,
excellent on varmints through deer. In the past few years it has
been edged out by the 257 Roberts and the new 6mm cartridges.
It is far superior as a deer cartridge to the 30-30 or anything in
that class, regardless of what some 30-30 addicts claim. Because
of its light recoil, it is an excellent choice for youths and women.
The 250-3000 is the basis of one of Ackley’s best wildcats, the 250
Ackley Improved. Both Remington and Winchester continue to
load this caliber. However, the 87-grain and 120-grain bullets are
no longer factory loaded.
250 Savage (250-3000) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
60 SP
IMR 4064
39
87 SP
IMR 4895
36.5
87 SP
IMR 4064
35
100 SP
IMR 4320
36
117 SP
IMR 4064
32.5
87 SP
FL
100 SP
FL
120 SP
FL
MV
ME
Source
3500
1632
Homady
3200
1979
Sierra
3100
1857
Sierra
2800
1741
Nosier
2700
1894
Homady
3030
1770
Factory load.
2820
1765
Factory load.
2645
1865
Factory load.
34 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
257 Roberts (257 Roberts +P)
Historical Notes The commercial version of the 257 Roberts
was released by Remington in 1934 chambered in their Model 30
bolt-action rifle. It was quickly picked up by Winchester for their
Model 54 and the later Model 70. The Remington 722 bolt-action
and the 760 slide-action models were also available in 257-cal¬
iber. In recent years many American manufacturers have discon¬
tinued it, although Ruger continues to offer it their Model 77 bolt
action. The original cartridge was designed by N. H. Roberts (a
well-known experimenter and gun writer during the 1920s and
’30s) and is based on the 7x57mm Mauser necked-down. Reming¬
ton changed the Robert’s shoulder angle from 15 to 20 degrees.
The name of the cartridge was adopted to honor its original devel¬
oper. Custom rifles in this caliber were made by the Niedner Rifle
Co. as early as 1928.
General Comments The 257 Roberts has often been referred
to as the “most useful rifle cartridge ever developed.” That is not
very far wrong. It is suitable for a wide range of hunting under a
variety of conditions. As a long-range varmint cartridge, it is as
good as they come, being only slightly inferior to the newer
6mms. On deer, antelope, black bear, sheep or goat it is as good as
any other cartridge available. Naturally, it is not as powerful as
the 270 Winchester, 30-06, but it has ample power for the game
mentioned at all practical ranges.
The 257 was underloaded by ammunition companies. Howev¬
er, in the late 1980s higher pressure +P loads were introduced
which enabled factory loaded 257 Roberts ammunition to reach
full potential. With modem powders the reloader can improve
performance safely in all bullet weights. With 117- or 120-grain
boattail bullets at velocities of around 2800 fps the 257 can be
used successfully on elk and caribou. It is at this end of the scale
that it has an advantage over the 6mms. The author has used it
for many years and it is one of his favorite calibers for western
hunting. Ackley’s improved version of the 257 Roberts practically
duplicates the ballistics of the larger 25-06. Winchester, Federal
and Remington all offer this caliber. The 87-grain bullet is no
longer factory loaded.
257 Roberts (257 Roberts +P) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
60 SP
IMR 4064
44
3600
1727
Homady
75 HP
IMR 4064
42
3300
1814
Sierra
87 SP
IMR 4320
37.5
3000
1739
Homady
87 SP
H-380
46
3200
1979
Sierra, Hornady
100 SP*
IMR 4831
45.5
3100
2134
Nosier, Speer
100 SP
IMR 3031
34
2800
1741
Hornady, Sierra
117 SP
IMR 4320
36
2600
1757
Sierra
117 SP
IMR 4064
34.5
2600
1757
Homady, Sierra
120 SP*
IMR 4831
42.5
2800
2091
Nosier
120 SP
IMR 4350
38.5
2600
1802
Homady
87 SP
FL
3200
1980
+P Factory load.
100 SP
FL
3000
1998
+P Factory load.
117 SP
FL
2780
2009
+P Factory load.
120 SP
* +P data
FL
2645
1865
Factory load.
8th Edition 35
Chapter 2
25-06 Remington
Historical Notes The 25-06, originally a wildcat cartridge, was
picked up by Remington and added to their commercial line late
in 1969. The wildcat version dates back to 1920, when it was
introduced by A. O. Niedner. Remington has stuck to his original
configuration of simply necking-down the 30-06 case. The Rem¬
ington Model 700 series bolt-action rifles were the first to be
offered in the newly-adopted caliber. At the present time, Rem¬
ington, Interarms, Ruger, Savage, Winchester, Weatherby, Sako
and almost every other manufacturer of bolt-action rifles offer at
least one version in 25-06. In addition, the Ruger single shot is
available in this caliber. Since its commercial introduction, the
25-06 Remington has become a very popular number.
General Comments The 25-06 was probably the finest of the
25-caliber wildcats. Its emergence as a standardized factory load
has been welcomed by many. As a varmint cartridge with the 87-
grain bullet it is said to be unsurpassed. However, a comparison
of factory ballistics and a little chronographing can be most infor¬
mative. Comparing factory data, we see that as a varmint car¬
tridge both the 6mm Remington and 270 Winchester beat
anything the 25-06 can offer in every category that matters.
Amazingly, in spite of its much smaller case, the 6mm Rem. 100-
grain load is only marginally behind the 25-06 120-grain load in
retained energy at long range. There really isn’t any comparison
between hunting loads in the 25-06 and the 270 Win. Chrono¬
graphing results suggest that factory data is equally representa¬
tive of what each can realistically do. So just exactly what does
the 25-06 offer? Evidently something, because many laud the 25-
06 as among the best. Federal, Winchester and Remington offer
this caliber in several bullet weights.
25-06 Remington Loading Data and Factory Baliistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
75 HP
IMR 4350
55
3500
2041
Homady, Sierra
87 SP
IMR 4831
57
3500
2367
Homady
100 SP
IMR 4831
54.5
3300
2419
Sierra, Speer
120 SP
IMR 4064
44
3000
2399
Homady
120 SP
IMR 4831
50
3000
2399
Nosier, Speer
87 SP
FL
3500
2370
Factory load.
90 SP
FL
3440
2364
Factory load.
100 SP
FL
3230
2316
Factory load.
117 SP
FL
2990
2320
Factory load.
120 SP
FL
2940
2382
Factory load.
36 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
257 Weatherby Magnum
Historical Notes This cartridge was designed by Roy Weather¬
by in 1944, a year before he went into the commercial gun busi¬
ness. Like most other Weatherby cartridges, it is based on the
necked-down and blown-out 300 H&H case. Commercial ammu¬
nition under the Weatherby name has been available since 1948.
These have been based on Norma components since 1951. There
are a number of wildcat versions of the 300 H&H Magnum
necked-down to 25-caliber, but the Weatherby cartridge has
largely displaced these.
General Comments The 257 WM is one of the first modem,
ultra-velocity, small-bore, rifle cartridges to be produced on a
commercial basis that developed and retained a degree of popu¬
larity. It is accurate and well-suited for long-range varmint shoot¬
ing on one hand and delivers sufficient velocity and energy to
take on almost any North American big game on the other. A
superb deer, antelope, sheep, goat or black bear cartridge, it has
also been used successfully on elk, moose, brown bear, bon, buf¬
falo and zebra. Many authorities insist that it is much too light
for heavy game, but high-velocity advocates insist that with prop¬
er bullets, it is adequate for anything except the largest game in
close cover. However, like most of its ilk, this number can be
extremely hard on its barrel especially if not enough time is
allowed between shots to allow the barrel to cool down or if the
barrel has not been cleaned adequately. And, like all high inten¬
sity chamberings, it loses a great deal of velocity with barrels
shorter than 26 inches. It is in its element for long-range plains or
mountain hunting. The author used a custom Model 70 Winches¬
ter and later a Weatherby Mark V in this caliber, and it is dyna¬
mite on deer-size animals. For long-range varmint shooting it can
only be described as “spectacular.”
257 Weatherby Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
75 HP
IMR 4350
66.5
3800
2405
Homady
87 SP
IMR 4831
71
3700
2645
Speer
100 SP
IMR 4831
66.5
3400
2568
Sierra, Speer, Nosier
117 SP
IMR 4831
61.5
3100
2497
Homady, Sierra
120 SP
IMR 4350
59
3200
2729
Homady
87 SP
FL
3825
2827
Weatherby factory load.
100 SP
FL
3602
2882
Weatherby factory load.
120 SP
FL
3305
2911
Weatherby factory load.
8th Edition 37
Chapter 2
6.5x55 Swedish Mauser
Historical Notes Adopted by the Swedish Army in 1984, the
6.5x55 remained in active Swedish military service until quite
recently. This caliber is quite popular throughout Scandinavia for
hunting all types of game including moose. It is also a popular
choice for 300-meter target shooting and other forms of rifle com¬
petition. Prior to World War II, the 6.5x55 Swedish was almost
unknown in the U.S. After the war, Canadian and U.S. sports¬
men became acquainted with this caliber through the thousands
of surplus Swedish Mauser rifles sold in North America. Many of
these excellent rifles were sporterized leaving them in their orig¬
inal caliber. Canadian sportsmen were first off the mark to appre¬
ciate the virtues of this caliber in the 1950s and 1960s. Later U.S.
sportsmen arrived at the same conclusions in the 1970s and
1980s. Other than imported rifles from Scandinavian countries,
few sporting rifles in this caliber were available in the U.S. until
the 1990s. This has now changed as Winchester offers their
Featherweight M70 rifle and Ruger their M77 rifle in this caliber.
General Comments The 6.5x55 is one of the few 6.5mm cal¬
ibers ever to catch on in the U.S. For many years, Norma of Swe¬
den was the only manufacturer of this caliber until 1991-92 when
Federal Cartridge Co. added this caliber to their Premium prod¬
uct line. This caliber continues to gain popularity as surplus
Swedish Mauser rifles are still being imported. Two reasons for
its growth in popularity are low recoil and superb accuracy. It is
an excellent deer and antelope caliber and is also suitable for bear
and elk under good conditions at moderate ranges. Because of its
flat trajectory, it is an outstanding choice for hunting sheep and
goat in mountainous terrain using lightweight rifles. Lack of suit¬
able bullets and handload data handicapped the full potential of
the caliber for many years. This has changed now as good bullets
and reloading data are now available from most component man¬
ufacturers. The 140-grain bullets are best for most types of hunt¬
ing and are also the most accurate. The 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser
case is not related to typical Mauser cartridges.
6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
85 HP
IMR 4320
47
3100
1814
Sierra
100 HP
H-380
43.5
3000
1999
Homady
120 SP
H-4350
47
3000
2399
Nosier, Barnes
129 SP
H-380
43.5
2800
2246
Homady
140 SP
IMR 4831
47
2600
2102
Speer, Barnes
160 SP
H-4831
44
2600
2402
Speer
140 SP
FL
2550
2020
Federal factory load.
38 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
264 Winchester Magnum
Historical Notes This cartridge was officially announced by
Winchester in 1958. The 264 Magnum is one of a series of car¬
tridges based on the original Winchester 458 belted case, necked-
down. It is historically significant as it is the first American
6.5mm cartridge since the long-defunct 256 Newton was
announced back in 1913. It was originally available only in the
Winchester bolt-action Model 70 “Westerner” with a 26-inch
stainless steel barrel. For a time, the Remington 700 Series was
offered in 264-caliber as was the Ruger M77.
General Comments The 264 Winchester is a very fine, ultra¬
velocity cartridge with excellent long-range capabilities and bal¬
listics superior to the time-tried 270 Winchester. Its development
may well have been suggested by the 257 Weatherby Magnum,
for the two are quite similar. The 264 is able to equal the 257
WM, but with the added advantage of the heavier 140-grain bul¬
let for larger species of big game. The 100-grain bullet is intended
for animals in the deer and antelope class, the 140-grain for elk
and above. The rifling twist used by Winchester is not quick
enough to stabilize spitzer bullets of more than 140 grains. The
handloader has a wide choice of bullets ranging from 87 to 160
grains. All things considered, the 264 Magnum is adequate for
any North American big game. It is a plains and mountain car¬
tridge. Like most of its ilk, this number can be extremely hard on
its barrel, especially with either careless shooting, inadequate
barrel cooling between shots or inadequate cleaning. (Joyce Hor-
nady said they went through three barrels for this chambering
just trying to work up the data for three bullets with a few pow¬
ders each. They were tipped off to a problem when the maximum
charge for the 140-grain bullet turned out to be quite a bit higher
than the maximum charge for the 120-grain bullet with the same
powder.) And, like all of the high-intensity chamberings, it loses a
great deal of velocity with barrels shorter than 26 inches. To
quanitify this: Best possible safe 264 Winchester Magnum loads
from 22-inch barrels produce less energy than best possible 270
Winchester loads from a 22-inch barrel with equal weight bullets.
Both Remington and Winchester still offer this caliber. However,
only the 140-grain bullet is available.
264 Winchester Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
85 SP
IMR 4895
57
3700
2585
Sierra
100 SP
IMR 4831
65
3500
2721
Homady
120 SP
IMR 4350
60
3200
2729
Nosier, Sierra
129 SP
IMR 4350
57
3100
2753
Hornady
140 SP
IMR 4831
61
3100
2988
Homady
140 SP
IMR 4350
55
3000
2799
Speer, Nosier
160 SP
IMR 4831
54.5
2700
2591
Homady
140 SP
FL
3030
2854
Factory load
Loads shown are for the factory 26" barrel, using Winchester-Western cases.
8th Edition 39
Chapter 2
270 Winchester
Historical Notes Designed by Winchester in 1925 for their
Model 54 bolt-action rifle, the 270 caused quite a stir in shooting
circles. It has remained somewhat controversial ever since. At the
time of introduction, it offered better long-range performance
than any big game cartridge available on the American market.
It has now been adopted by practically every manufacturer of
standard bolt-action high-powered sporting rifles in the world.
The Remington slide actions and Remington and Browning semi¬
autos are also available in 270-caliber. The cartridge is based on
the 30-06 case necked-down to .277-inch. (It is just possible that
Winchester chose a 0.277-inch bullet to avoid paralleling any¬
thing European or British and they could possible have been
inspired by a Chinese cartridge that used a 0.277-inch bullet. We
will likely never know. The case neck is 0.050-inch longer but,
except for the neck and headstamp, the 270 Winchester is other¬
wise identical to the 30-06. This cartridge was a long-time
favorite of well-known gun writer the late Jack O’Connor, who
probably contributed more to popularizing the 270 than any oth¬
er individual. Today the 270 Winchester is one of the most popu¬
lar calibers on the market.
General Comments Along with the 30-06, this is one of the
most accurate and effective all-round American big game car¬
tridges. Its reputation and popularity have increased steadily
since its introduction. Although not intended as a varmint car¬
tridge, the 270 will serve very well in that capacity when loaded
with bullets of 100 grains. It is generally conceded to be a better
long-range varmint cartridge than its parent, the 30-06. The 130-
grain bullet at over 3000 fps muzzle velocity is considered ade¬
quate by many experienced hunters for any North American big
game. When first introduced, some deer hunters complained that
the 130-grain bullet had such an explosive effect it ruined too
much meat. To satisfy the demand for a deer load, Winchester
brought out a 150-grain bullet at a reduced velocity of 2675 fps.
However, it was short-lived because the people who demanded it
wouldn’t buy it. The present 150-grain bullet at 2860 fps is
intended for maximum penetration on heavier animals such as
elk, moose or bear. Some disagree, but current evidence rein¬
forces the conclusion that the 270 is adequate for any North
American big game and some African plains game as well.
Assuming the hunter uses the proper bullet for the job at hand,
the 270 will deliver reliable performance. In any comparison of
the 270 with the 30-06, much depends on intended use and hunt¬
ing conditions. For some reason many individuals shoot better
with the 270 than the 30-06. The 270 is flatter shooting than the
30-06, and thus makes a better varmint/big game rifle where this
is a consideration. The 30-06, with its 180-, 200- and 220-grain
bullets, must be conceded as a better woods, brush or heavy game
caliber. In accuracy and general performance, there isn’t a great
deal to argue about. Anyone trying to make a big case for one
against the other is beating a pretty dead horse. The 270 Win¬
chester is commercially loaded by all large domestic and most for¬
eign ammunition manufacturers.
270 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
90 HP IMR 4350
100 SP IMR 4064
110 HP IMR 4350
130 SP IMR 4350
140 SP IMR 4350
150 SP IMR 4831
150 SP IMR 4350
160 SP IMR 4350
100 SP FL
130 SP FL
150 SP FL
ME
2449
2568
2502
2775
2615
2612
2612
51 2800 2786
3480 2612
3060 2702
2850 2705
Source
Sierra
Homady
Sierra
Nosier, Sierra, Homady, Speer
Homady
Speer, Sierra, Homady
Nosier, Speer, Homady, Sierra
Nosier
Factory load.
Factory load.
Factory load.
rs.
MV
60.5
3500
53.5
3400
55
3200
55
3100
53
2900
54
2800
52
2800
40 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
270 Weatherby Magnum
Historical Notes Most shooting enthusiasts think that the 270
Weatherby was developed to satisfy a demand for this caliber
after the popularity of the 300 Weatherby Magnum had been
established. As a matter of fact, the 270 was the first of the line
developed by Roy Weatherby on the necked-down 300 H&H case.
This was in 1943, following experiments with an improved 220
Swift which Weatherby called the 220 Rocket. It was due largely
to actual hunting experience with the 270 WM that started
Weatherby on the high-velocity trail. This culminated in his
starting a commercial gun business in September, 1945.
General Comments The popularity of the 270 Winchester
made it almost mandatory for Weatherby to add this caliber to
his line of commercial magnum rifle cartridges. The 270 WM has
been used extensively, and successfully, on all species of North
American big game. It has also achieved notable success on
African plains game. Those who have used it claim the 270
Weatherby provides flat trajectory, excellent long-range stopping
power on all thin-skinned game and noticeably less recoil than
the famous 300 WM. As an added attraction, the 270 WM is not
impractical for varmint shooting. The 100-grain bullet is excel¬
lent for this purpose thus making the 270 WM a very versatile
all-round caliber. However, it is important to allow plenty of bar¬
rel cooling time with this, and all, high-intensity cartridges. The
270 WM is easy and economical to reload, and empty cases are
available for it. Like the other large-capacity magnum cases, it
does not lend itself to reduced loads and is at its best with full or
nearly full charges. It is a very fine choice for the man who wants
to include a varmint hunting potential in his big game rifle. It is
one of the most popular calibers that Weatherby offers.
270 Weatherby Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
90 HP
IMR 4350
73
3800
2886
Sierra
100 SP
IMR 4350
71
3600
2878
Speer
100 SP
H-4831
76.5
3500
2721
Homady
130 SP
IMR 4350
68
3300
3144
Speer, Sierra, Nosier
130 SP
IMR 4831
70
3300
3144
Sierra, Speer
140 SP
IMR 4350
66.5
3100
2988
Nosier
150 SP
IMR 4350
66
3000
2998
Hornady, Speer
150 SP
IMR 4831
67
3000
2998
Nosier, Sierra
160 SP
IMR 4831
65
2900
2989
Nosier
100 SP
FL
3760
3139
Weatherby factory load.
130 SP
FL
3375
3283
Weatherby factory load.
150 SP
FL
3245
3501
Weatherby factory load.
2 . 220 "
8th Edition 41
Chapter 2
7-30 Waters
Historical Notes The 7-30 Waters was introduced by in 1984
for the U.S. Repeating Arms Model 94XTR Angle Eject rifle and
carbine. The cartridge was the work of Ken Waters, a well-known
gun writer and ballistics expert. He began planning the cartridge
in 1976 as a high-velocity, flat-trajectory round for short, handy,
lever-action carbines. There are many problems to be overcome
by those who would improve on the performance of the 30-30-
class cartridges in lever-action rifles. Severe restrictions are
imposed by tubular magazines, the length of the action and per¬
missible working pressures. However, by 1982 Ken had devel¬
oped a cartridge that would push the 139-grain 7mm bullet at
2600 fps. At this point, U.S. Repeating Arms Co. became inter¬
ested in the project and decided in 1983 to produce Model 94
lever-action rifles for this new cartridge. Federal Cartridge Co.
then completed the final version of the cartridge by making vari¬
ous dimensional changes and opting for a lighter 120-grain bullet
to achieve higher velocity at less pressure. The current commer¬
cial loading uses a 120-grain Nosier Partition bullet which devel¬
ops a velocity at the muzzle of 2700 fps when fired from a 24-inch
barrel.
General Comments The 7-30 Waters does offer improved per¬
formance for those who like lever-action carbines or rifles. This
caliber should make a good deer/black bear-class cartridge. How¬
ever, the majority of 30-30 lever-action shooters prefer the short
carbine since most are woods hunters. The 7-30, with its light
120-grain bullet is unlikely to best the 30-30, 32 Special, 38-55,
etc. with shots at close range. Also, it is not going to be the answer
for the long-range plains or mountain hunter. When fired from a
20-inch barrel, its performance is considerably reduced. So any¬
one interested in this caliber will be better served if they buy the
rifle rather than the carbine. The light recoil of this cartridge
makes it an excellent choice for a woman, boy or anyone who is
recoil sensitive. The 7-30 is at its best in broken country with
shots varying from patches of brush and trees to open areas with
shots ranging from 75 to 175 yards.
7-30 Waters Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
120 SP
H-335
28.5
2500
1666
Nosier
130 SP
H-335
33
2600
1952
Speer
140 SP
W748
35
2500
1943
Hornady
140 SP
H-335
34
2600
2102
Homady
145 SP
748
34
2400
1855
Speer
120 SP
FL
2700
1940
Federal factory load.
42 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
7mm Mauser (7x57mm)
Historical Notes Developed by Mauser as a military cartridge
the 7x57mm was introduced in 1892. Shortly afterward this cal¬
iber was adopted by the Spanish government and chambered in a
limited quantity of Model 92 Mauser bolt-action rifles. In 1893,
Spain adopted a new model Mauser rifle in this same caliber.
This rifle has been called the Spanish Mauser ever since,
although it was also adopted by Mexico and a number of South
American countries. Remington chambered their rolling block
and Lee rifles for the 7mm about 1897, and later the Model 30.
The Winchester Model 54 and 70 also chambered it. Currently,
the Ruger Model 77 and Winchester Featherweight bolt action,
plus the Ruger Number One single shot offer the 7mm as stan¬
dard. Also, most European-made bolt-action rifles and combina¬
tion guns chamber the 7mm Mauser, as do many custom-made
rifles each year.
General Comments Although originally a military cartridge,
the 7x57mm Mauser has proven one of the best all-round sport¬
ing rounds ever developed. It is particularly useful in lightweight
rifles because it delivers good killing power with moderate recoil.
It has been used successfully on every species of big game on
earth. However, it is no dangerous game cartridge in the true
sense of the term. Its success in the field is due largely to the abil¬
ity of the hunters who have used it. Ballistically, it is only slight¬
ly less powerful than the 270 Winchester or the 280 Remington.
It is adequate for most American big game, but is perhaps on the
light side for large bear or moose. The 7mm Mauser was discon¬
tinued by American gun manufacturers about 1940 due to lack of
popularity. Since the end of WWII, it has become increasingly
common due to the influx of surplus 7mm military rifles. The
wide selection of 7mm bullets now available for handloading has
also contributed to an increase in popularity. The 7x57mm
Mauser is commercially loaded by all domestic and most foreign
ammunition manufacturers.
7mm Mauser (7x57mm) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 HP
W748
52.6
3300
2419
Homady
115 SP
IMR 3031
46
3000
2299
Speer
120 SP
IMR 4064
46
2900
2241
Homady
130 SP
IMR 4350
52
2850
2345
Speer
139 SP
IMR 4064
45
2800
2420
Homady
150 SP
IMR 4064
41.5
2700
2429
Sierra, Nosier, Homady
160 SP
IMR 4895
38
2500
2221
Sierra, Nosier
175 SP
IMR 4895
42
2500
2430
Homady
175 SP
IMR 4064
39
2450
2333
Nosier, Sierra
140 SP
FL
2660
2199
Factory load.
145 SP
FL
2690
2334
Factory load.
154 SP
FL
2690
2475
Factory load.
175 SP
FL
2440
2313
Factory load.
8th Edition 43
Chapter 2
7mm-08 Remington
Historical Notes Remington introduced this medium-capacity
rifle cartridge to the marketplace in 1980. It is based on the 308
Winchester case necked-down to 7mm and loaded with a 140-
grain bullet at 2860 fps. Remington advertised this cartridge as
the “...first modem 7mm round designed for use in short-action
rifles.” This is an interesting claim in view of the fact that the 284
Winchester, designed for the same purpose, arrived on the scene
in 1963. Furthermore, the 7mm-08 is a direct copy of the
7mm/308 wildcat dating back to 1958 and earlier. This is not
meant to denigrate a fine cartridge, but to demonstrate that there
really isn’t much new under the sun despite advertising claims.
The 7mm-08 is chambered in exactly the same actions as the 284
Winchester but does not and can not equal 284 ballistics.
Original rifles chambered for the 7mm-08 were the Remington
Model 788 and 700BDL Varmint Special bolt actions. Current
Remington catalogs list the 700 series and Model Seven bolt
actions as available in this chambering. Other makers are begin¬
ning to chamber it; among them Savage. Silhouette shooters of
all types favor the 7mm-08 Remington for its excellent ballistics.
Remington has hung their hat on the 7mm caliber and with
considerable success. They now offer five chamberings: 7mm-08,
7x57mm Mauser, 7mm Express (280 Remington), 7mm Reming¬
ton Magnum and 7mm BR. However, the 7mm BR originated as
something of a semi-wildcat based on the 308xl.5-inch necked-
down. Remington has contributed more than any other company
to the belated recognition of the ballistic advantages of the 7mm
caliber by U.S. shooters.
General Comments The 7mm-08 140-grain load surpasses the
308 Winchester 150-grain load downrange, according to Reming¬
ton tests from a 24-inch barrel. This appears to be true. At 500
yards the 7mm-08 bullet has an edge of 238 fps and 750 fpe over
the 308 bullet. This would make quite some difference in poten¬
tial killing power and also help in better bullet placement at
unknown distances. There is not sufficient difference to cause
owners of 308-caliber rifles to rush down and trade them off for
7mm-08s, but it does illustrate the ballistic advantages of the
smaller caliber loaded with more streamlined bullets.
The 7mm-08 is a great favorite with many metallic silhouette
shooters, and I have heard many glowing reports regarding its
accuracy on the range, particularly with handloads. It is also
building a good reputation as a long-range deer and antelope car¬
tridge. When handloaded with heavier bullets than the factory
140-grain, it would also be suitable for heavier game such as elk.
Unfortunately, the two factory bullet weights do not make for a
very flexible big game cartridge. On the other hand, by handload¬
ing, this cartridge can be adapted to anything from varmint
shooting through elk.
The case capacity of the 7mm-08 is slightly less than the 7x57mm
Mauser and performance with the heavier bullets of around 175
grains is about 100 to 150 fps less, which is not anything to get real
excited about. The fact of the matter is that the 7mm-08 is adequate
for most North American hunting, but is handicapped by only two
commercial bullet loadings. Remington has been joined by Federal
in offering factory loaded ammunition in this caliber.
7mm-08 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 HP
H-335
40.5
3000
1999
Hornady
120 SP
IMR 4320
41
2700
1943
Homady, Sierra, Nosier
130 SP
IMR 4064
45
3000
2599
Speer
140 SP
IMR 4895
44
2900
2615
Sierra
150 SP
IMR 4320
38
2400
1919
Hornady, Sierra
160 SP
IMR 4350
44
2650
2496
Nosier, Sierra, Speer
175 SP
IMR 4350
44
2600
2627
Speer
120 SP
FL
3000
2398
Factory load.
140 SP
FL
2860
2542
Factory load.
2 0 ‘
i
‘ M
: -7-i
. 473 "
. 470 " . 454 "
1
- HJ
> 1
. 315 "
1 . 560 "
1 . 751 "
2 . 035 "
44 Cartridges of the World
- 4 -
Current American Rifle Cartridges
7x64mm Brenneke
Historical Notes This caliber was developed by Wilhelm Bren¬
neke in Germany in 1917. Although nearly unknown in the U.S.,
this caliber rivals the 7mm Remington Magnum for popularity in
Europe. Unlike the 7mm Remington Magnum, the 7x64 is not
belted although is has virtually the same case length. However,
base and rim diameter are much smaller. Both fit in standard
length actions as loaded length is nearly the same.
The 7x64 is unique in that it is one of the few cartridges in mod¬
em times made by American manufacturers to meet European
demand without a significant demand in the U.S. In 1991-92 Fed¬
eral Cartridge Co. added the 7x64 to its Premium product line.
General Comments Ballistically, the 7x64 is very similar to
the 284 Winchester. However, the 7x64 is outclassed by the 7mm
Remington Magnum which offers 11 percent more muzzle veloci¬
ty and 24 percent more muzzle energy. This explains why Amer¬
ican sportsmen prefer the 7mm Remington Magnum. Still,
higher velocity is not always better and the 7x64 is an excellent
choice for hunting deer, antelope, and other medium game at
longer ranges. Loading data is not yet available. If you do wish to
handload, cases for this cartridge can not be formed from stan¬
dard Mauser-type cartridge cases. However, cases are commer¬
cially available for the 7x64 from Remington and Federal.
7x64mm Brenneke Factory Ballistics _
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
160 SP FL 2650 2495 Federal factory load.
8th Edition 45
Chapter 2
284 Winchester
Historical Notes The 284 was introduced by Winchester in
1963 for their Model 88 lever-action and Model 100 semi-auto
rifles. Both have since been discontinued. This is the first Ameri¬
can commercial cartridge to have a rebated or undercut rim of
smaller diameter than the body of the case, though British and
European designers used this type of case years ago. For a short
time, the Savage Model 99 lever action was available in 284. No
major gun makers offer this caliber now.
General Comments The 284 Winchester has the rim diam¬
eter of the 30-06 and the body diameter of the belted mag¬
nums. This provides increased case capacity in a relatively
short case. The cartridge is designed for short actions and
will increase the performance of these short, light rifles. Bal¬
listics are practically identical to the 280 Remington. There
is no difference in killing power, range or capability between
the two. (Except in some gun writer’s imagination!) The 284
Winchester should be a good long-range cartridge for any
North American big game. It could also be adapted for
varmint shooting. This cartridge has recently staged a well-
deserved comeback.
284 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 HP
IMR 4350
60.5
3200
2274
Sierra
120 SP
IMR 4350
58
3200
2729
Homady
130 SP
IMR 4350
58
3100
2775
Speer
140 SP
IMR 4350
55
3000
2799
Homady
140 SP
IMR 4895
46
2800
2438
Sierra
145 SP
IMR 4831
57
2900
2708
Speer
150 SP
IMR 4350
53.5
2800
2612
Sierra
160 SP
IMR 4350
52
2700
2591
Speer, Sierra
175 SP
IMR 4350
50
2600
2627
Homady, Sierra, Speer
150 SP
FL
2860
2724
Winchester factory load.
*
.473"
A
46 Cartridges of the World
1.885"
280 Remington/7mm
Express Remington
Current American Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes The 280 Remington was introduced by that
company in 1957. Initially it was chambered in the Remington
Model 740 autoloader, later in the 760 slide action and the 721
and 725 bolt actions. The Remington 700 series bolt-action rifles
originally included the 280 chambering. In an effort to increase
sales, from 1979 to 1980 Remington cataloged the 280 as the
“7mm Express Remington.” But too much confusion resulted and
Remington went back to the original 280 moniker. The 280 Rem¬
ington, actually a 7mm with a bullet diameter of .284-inch, is
based on the 30-06 case necked-down. It is very similar to the
wildcat 7mm-06 which has been around for a good many years. In
1979, Remington introduced a new 150-grain loading.
General Comments This is a 30-06 case necked down and with
the shoulder moved forward 0.050-inch to prevent its being cham¬
bered in 270 Winchester rifles. Had this been possible, the over¬
size neck might not have had room to open enough to free the
bullet and the results could have been extremely dangerous.
However, by moving the shoulder forward, Remington created an
even more dangerous situation. The 270 Winchester cartridge,
which is visually almost indistinguishable from the 280 Rem.,
chambers effortlessly in 280 Remington rifles. Should the extrac¬
tor catch the case during loading and then allow it to slip forward
when the firing pin strikes the primer, or should the striker reach
the primer of a load that was chambered ahead of the extractor,
the results would be a 0.050" headspace problem with almost cer¬
tain head separation and the resulting flood of 50,000 psi gas in
ones face. Not a pretty thought. Remington could have solved the
original problem and eliminated the one they created by simply
enlarging the case at the shoulder.
The 280 Remington is slightly more powerful than the 270
Winchester. It would be stretching a point to say that the 280 is
better than the 270 Winchester, although it is probably a little
more versatile due to the wider variety of factory bullets avail¬
able. If you are a handloader, any difference would be one of per¬
sonal preference. The 280 is certainly adequate for any North
American big game and would also lend itself for use on large
varmints. It is another case of a good wildcat cartridge finally
emerging in a commercial version. It has picked up a modest fol¬
lowing among 7mm fans since its introduction. Loaded with the
120-grain or new 100-grain varmint bullets, the 280 becomes an
excellent varmint cartridge. The 150-grain bullet at 2970 fps
brings out some of the latent potential of the caliber, which is tru¬
ly an excellent long-range big game cartridge. Both Remington
and Winchester commercially load this caliber. However, Rem¬
ington offers four bullet weights to Winchester’s one.
280 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 HP
IMR 3031
45.5
3200
2274
Homady
120 SP
IMR 4350
54.5
3000
2399
Sierra
130 SP
IMR 4350
57
3100
2775
Speer
140 SP
IMR 4350
54
2900
2615
Sierra
150 SP
IMR 4831
48
2900
2802
Sierra, Nosier
160 SP
IMR 4350
51.5
2700
2591
Speer, Sierra, Homady
175 SP
IMR 4350
52
2650
2730
Speer, Homady
120 SP
FL
3150
2643
Factory load.
150 SP
FL
2890
2781
Factory load.
165 SP
FL
2820
2913
Factory load.
140 SP
FL
3050
2799
Factory load.
8th Edition 47
Chapter 2
7mm Remington Magnum
Historical Notes Introduced by Remington during 1962, the
7mm Remington Magnum was brought out at the same time as
the improved, bolt-action 700-series rifles, which replaced the
earlier Models 721, 722 and 725. Most other manufacturers have
since added this popular caliber to their lines. It took American
firearms manufacturers nearly 40 years to realize that the 275
Holland & Holland (made long ago by Western Cartridge Co.) is a
first-rate, medium-game, long-range caliber. The long line of
7mm wildcats is much like the old 275 H&H which came out in
1912. Remington chose to ignore the classic 7mm bullet—a 160-
grain spitzer—in its 7mm Magnum loads.
General Comments The 7mm Remington Magnum is a fine,
long-range, big game cartridge. There is a good selection of facto¬
ry loaded 7mm bullets available and the handloader could make
it do for just about anything. It has ample power for any North
American big game and most thin-skinned African varieties.
However, it is an open-country, plains or mountain cartridge
rather than a woods or brush number. Many will compare it with
the 7mm WM or the 7x61mm Sharpe & Hart Super. Bitter argu¬
ments will ensue as to which is the best or most powerful. This
will be akin to the ancient Greek pastime of discussing how many
spirits can dance on the head of a pin. However, any difference in
these cartridges will be strictly a matter of opinion or imagina¬
tion. They all have nearly the same case capacity and none will do
anything the others can’t duplicate. In fact, the 7mm Remington
is hardly a new or brilliant design. It is largely a commercial ver¬
sion of several wildcat short-belted 7mm magnums (Ackley, Luff,
Mashbum, etc.). Its principal advantage lies in the fact that it is
a standard factory product that is widely distributed and avail¬
able in well-made, moderately-priced rifles. Come to think of it,
that’s quite a bit to a lot of people. However, don’t trade off your
present 7mm Magnum with the idea that the Remington round is
going to provide some mysterious extra margin of power or
knockdown. The 7mm Rem can be somewhat hard on barrels
especially with either careless shooting, inadequate barrel cool¬
ing between shots or inadequate cleaning. And, like all similar
chamberings, loses significant velocity with barrels shorter than
24 inches. Actual ballistics may be closer to the 7mm Weatherby
Magnum than factory data suggests. Ammunition in 7mm Rem¬
ington Magnum caliber is available in a wide variety from all
domestic and most foreign ammunition manufacturers.
7mm Remington Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 HP
IMR 4831
71.5
3500
2721
Homady
115 HP
IMR 4831
71
3400
2953
Speer
120 SP
IMR 4350
66
3350
2991
Sierra, Nosier
130 SP
IMR 4350
63
3200
2957
Speer
140 SP
IMR 4350
64
3100
2988
Nosier, Sierra, Homady
150 SP
IMR 4831
62
3000
2998
Nosier, Sierra
160 SP
IMR 4831
62.5
3000
3198
Sierra, Nosier, Speer
175 SP
H-450
64.5
2900
3269
Sierra
140 SP
FL
3175
3133
Factory load.
150 SP
FL
3110
3221
Factory load.
160 SP
FL
2950
3090
Factory load.
165 SP
FL
2900
3081
Factory load.
175 SP
FL
2860
3178
Factory load.
2.035"
.313"
48 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
7mm Weatherby Magnum
Historical Notes The 7mm Weatherby Magnum was developed
in 1944 as one of a series of cartridges based on the necked-down
300 H&H case. There are several similar wildcat versions, but
Weatherbys design is the most popular due to the availability of
commercial ammunition.
General Comments The 7mm (or 284-caliber) has long been
popular in the United States in various wildcat cartridges, yet the
original 7mm Mauser never generated any great enthusiasm.
The 7mm Weatherby Magnum, offered as a maximum perfor¬
mance cartridge is probably the best known and widely used of
the current 7mm Magnums with the single exception of the 7mm
Remington Magnum. This is due in part to the availability of fac¬
tory-loaded ammunition with a good selection of bullet weights.
The 7mm Weatherby has a slight edge over the 270 Weatherby
on tough or dangerous game because it uses heavier bullets and
chums up greater energy. However, if long-range varmint shoot¬
ing is on the agenda, the 270 is the better choice. The 7mm WM is
adequate for any North American big game and all thin-skinned
African game. The 7mm Weatherby Magnum has, to a large
extent, lost popularity to the 7mm Remington Magnum because
the Remington version is available in a wide variety of rifles less
expensive than the Weatherby. Like most high-intensity car¬
tridges, the 7mm WM can be somewhat hard on its barrel espe¬
cially with either careless shooting, inadequate barrel cooling
between shots or inadequate barrel cleaning. And, like all similar
chamberings, it loses significant velocity with barrels shorter
than 24”. Ammunition in this caliber is now available from Rem¬
ington and PMC as well as Weatherby. For many years now Nor¬
ma has loaded Weatherby ammunition in all calibers under the
Weatherby brand name. In 1992 Norma began offering Weather¬
by calibers under the Norma brand name. Norma ammunition is
distributed by Dynamit Nobel in the U.S.
7mm Weatherby Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 HP
IMR 4350
73.5
3600
2878
Homady
115 HP
IMR 4831
76
3600
3310
Speer
120 SP
IMR 4350
70
3400
3081
Sierra, Nosier, Homady
130 SP
IMR 4320
63
3300
3144
Speer
139 SP
IMR 4350
68
3200
3161
Sierra, Nosier, Homady
154 SP
IMR 4350
67
3100
3287
Homady
160 SP
IMR 4350
65
3000
3198
Sierra, Speer
175 SP
IMR 4350
65
2800
3047
Speer, Homady
195 SP
IMR 7828
61
2500
2707
Speer
139 SP
FL
3340
3443
Weatherby factory load.
154 SP
FL
3260
3633
Weatherby factory load.
175 SP
FL
3070
3662
Weatherby factory load.
. 220 "
8th Edition 49
Chapter 2
30 Remington
Historical Notes A rimless version of the 30-30, the 30 Rem¬
ington was introduced by Remington in 1906 for their Model 8
autoloader. When the Model 14 slide action came out in 1912, it
was also chambered for the 30 Remington as was the Model 30
bolt action introduced in 1921. The Stevens lever-action Model
425 and the Standard gas-operated rifle also used the 30 Rem¬
ington. No new rifles have chambered this round since immedi¬
ately following WWII. Some domestic ammunition companies
have loaded it continuously since the war’s end. There are a very
large number of rifles for this caliber still in use.
General Comments Identical to the 30-30 in performance, the
30 Remington is strictly in the small-, medium- and deer-size
game class. Its advantages are in the nature of the guns that
chambered it. For one thing, it is possible to use spitzer bullets in
most 30 Remington rifles which helps retain velocity at longer
ranges. Secondly, most rifles chambered for this round will stand
slightly higher pressures than the typical lever-action 30-30. The
30 Remington can be reloaded to better performance than the 30-
30 Winchester. Interestingly, handloading data has seldom, if
ever, reflected this possibility. Similarly, factory load ballistics
have uniformly downplayed the Remington rimless series with
loads rated a ftill 100 fps slower than their rimmed counterparts.
However, the difference is not great enough to take the 30 Rem¬
ington out of the 30-30 class. Note: The nominal bullet diameter
is given as .307".
30 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 SP
IMR 4895
35.5
2350
1840
Lyman
150 SP
IMR 4320
36.0
2320
1794
Lyman
170 SP
IMR 3031
30.0
2115
1690
Lyman
170 SP
IMR 4895
33.0
2145
1735
Lyman
170 SP
FL
2120
1696
Remington factory load.
▼
.422"
.3316
50 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
30 Carbine (30 M-1 Carbine)
Historical Notes In 1940, the U.S. Ordnance Dept, concluded
that a light carbine would have advantages over the 45-caliber
pistol in many combat situations. Various designs were submit¬
ted by a number of private manufacturers and, in the end, Win¬
chester’s offering was selected. The semi-auto 30 Ml Carbine
was officially adopted in 1941. The cartridge, a modification of
the 32 Winchester Self-Loading round of 1906, was hardly a rev¬
olutionary new design, but it served the purpose. At about the
same time, the Germans developed their Stg 44 assault rifle and
the 7.92mm Kurz cartridge. The Ml Carbine is not an assault
rifle. The military insists it was designed to fulfill a different
purpose.
For a few years, starting in 1966, the Marlin Model 62 Lever-
matic was available in 30 Carbine caliber. Iver Johnson, Plain-
field and others manufactured several versions of the Ml carbine
for the sporting trade. Federal, Remington and Winchester load
softpoint sporting ammunition. One version of the Ruger Black-
hawk single-action revolver is available in 30 Carbine.
General Comments In mid-1963, the government began
releasing 30-caliber Ml Carbines for sale to civilians through the
National Rifle Association at the moderate price of around $20.
Thousands of these guns are, as a result, used for sporting pur¬
poses. The 30 Carbine cartridge is in the same class as the 32-20
WCF. It is wholly a small game and varmint number, despite
contrary claims by those who love the short, light, handy Ml Car¬
bine. The accuracy of the carbine combined with the ballistics of
the cartridge limit the effective sporting accuracy range to about
150 yards, maximum. The author used an Ml Carbine to hunt
small game and deer as early as 1943, before most people could
get their hands on one, so he has a pretty good idea of the capa¬
bility of the cartridge. Remember that the 32 Winchester Self-
Loading round became obsolete in 1920 because it was more or
less useless for sporting purposes. The 30 Carbine was derived
from it and shares the same shortcomings. Because of inadequate
energy, the 30 Carbine is illegal for deer hunting in most states.
It is, however, effective against the smaller deer species where
shots are at short range. It is ideal for hunting smaller game such
as peccary.
30 Carbine Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100
H-110
14.5
1950
845
Speer
100
H-110
16.5
2200
1075
Homady
110SP
H-110
14
1900
882
Homady, Speer
110 FMJ
FL
1900
882
Military load.
110SP
FL
1990
967
Factory load.
8th Edition 51
Chapter 2
30-30 Winchester (30-30 WCF/30
Winchester/7.62x51 Rmm)
Historical Notes The 30-30, or 30 WCF, was the first Ameri¬
can small-bore, smokeless powder sporting cartridge. It was
designed by Winchester and first marketed in early 1895 as one
of the calibers available for the Model 1894 lever-action rifle. The
original loading used a 160-grain softpoint bullet and 30 grains of
smokeless powder. Thus the name 30-30 for 30-caliber bullet and
30 grains of powder. This is really an older way of describing a
caliber based on blackpowder. Muzzle velocity was 1970 fps.
It was adapted to the Winchester Model 54 bolt action as well
as various versions of the original 1894 action such as the Models
55 and 64. Marlin chambered it in their Model 1893 lever action
and the improved 36. The latest Model 336 is also available in SO¬
SO. At one time, the Savage Model 99 lever action was made in
30-30, and they also chambered the old Model 40 bolt action for it
as well as Model 340. The Remington rolling block and Winches¬
ter single shot were also at one time available in this caliber. In
Europe, the 30-30 is known as the 7.62x51R and is popular in sin¬
gle shot and combination guns. Modem factory loads in this cal¬
iber are assembled with 150- or 170-grain bullets. Despite the
designation .308 diameter bullets are used.
General Comments The 30-30 has long been the standard
American deer cartridge, and it is still the yardstick by which the
performance of all others is compared. To say that a cartridge is
in the 30-30-class means that it is suitable for game up to and
including deer at moderate ranges. Its popularity is due to the
fact that this cartridge has always been available in short, fight
rifles or carbines. It is extremely popular in Mexico and Latin
America. So much so that in many backcountry areas, the treinta-
treinta is the only high-powered cartridge anyone knows or has
heard of. It was, and to a large extent still is, the most popular
small-bore sporting cartridge. Despite this popularity, the 30-30
is no wonder cartridge with regard to accuracy or killing power.
For larger deer the 170-grain bullet is a good choice and the 170-
grain Nosier Partition is the best choice for those who wish to
tackle elk. For smaller species, 125- to 150-grain bullets give ade¬
quate penetration with reduced recoil. In no case is it suited to
shots beyond about 200 yards. Although sometimes reloaded with
fight bullets of 80 to 110 grains, it has neither the velocity nor
accuracy in most rifles to make a very good varmint round.
Despite its faults, it is a perfectly adequate deer cartridge if prop¬
erly used by a good shot. The author’s first modem high-powered
rifle was a 30-30 Model 1894 Winchester carbine, and it served
for many useful and game-filled years. All major domestic ammu¬
nition companies offer this caliber.
30-30 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 SP
IMR 3031
33
2600
1394
Speer
110 HP
IMR 4064
35
2500
1527
Sierra, Speer
125 SP
IMR 4064
35.5
2500
1735
Sierra
150 SP
IMR 3031
31
2200
1612
Nosier, Hornady, Sierra
170 SP
IMR 3031
29
2100
1665
Sierra, Nosier
150 SP
FL
2390
1902
Factory load
170 SP
FL
2200
1827
Factory load
Always use round- or flat-pointed bullets in tubular magazine rifles; sharp-pointed bullets might set off other
cartridges in the magazine.
52 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
300 Savage
Historical Notes Developed and introduced by Savage Arms
company for their Model 99 lever-action rifle in 1920, the 300
Savage was later chambered in the Savage Models 20 and 40 bolt
actions. The 300 Savage was intended as a cartridge that would
work through medium-length actions and deliver ballistics simi¬
lar to the 30-06. Remington chambered it in their Model 81
autoloader, 760 slide action and 722 bolt action. The cartridge
achieved considerable popularity, but has now lost out to the
superior 308 Winchester.
General Comments The 300 Savage provided lever-, slide-
action and semi-auto fans with performance close enough to the
30-06 to make rifles of this type useful for most American big
game. The original factory load was with the 150-grain bullet and
matched the original 30-06 sporting load at 2700 fps. If loaded to
original factory pressure levels with IMR-4064, it can significant¬
ly exceed that velocity safely. It is not fully adequate for moose or
brown bear, but it is a fine deer and elk cartridge. It is a better
choice than the 30-30 for deer under any conditions. The 308 Win¬
chester fulfills the same function as a short-action cartridge and
has somewhat more power, so it has gradually replaced the 300
Savage. However, many thousands of 300 Savage caliber rifles
are still in use so the cartridge will continue to be loaded for many
more years. In a bolt-action rifle, it is as accurate as any other 30-
caliber. All the major domestic ammunition companies offer this
caliber.
300 Savage Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 SP
IMR 4064
46
3000
1999
Speer
110SP
IMR 4895
43
2800
1915
Speer, Sierra
110SP
BL-C2
42
2800
1915
Homady, Speer, Sierra
125 SP
IMR 4895
43.5
2800
2177
Sierra
130 SP
IMR 4064
43
2700
2105
Speer, Hornady
150 SP
IMR 4064
41.5
2600
2252
Sierra, Hornady, Speer
150 SP
IMR 4895
40.5
2600
2252
Sierra
150 SP
IMR 4064
44.0
2800
2610
Homady
165 SP
IMR 3031
37.8
2500
2290
Homady, Sierra
180 SP
IMR 4350
46
2400
2303
Homady, Speer
180 SP
IMR 4895
39.5
2400
2303
Sierra
150 SP
FL
2630
2303
Factory load.
180 SP
FL
2350
2207
Factory load.
8th Edition 53
Chapter 2
30-40 Krag (30 Army) ' _ i
Historical Notes The 30 U.S. Army, or 30-40 Krag, the first
United States small-bore military cartridge, was adopted in 1892.
The Winchester high-wall single shot was the first commercial
rifle in the U.S. produced for a small-bore, smokeless powder car¬
tridge. This happened when the 30-40 Krag was added to the
available calibers during 1893. The Remington-Lee bolt action,
Remington rolling block, Winchester Model 95 lever action and
high-wall single shot were the first commercial sporting rifles to
offer this caliber. No commercial rifles used the cartridge from
1936 to 1973. The first smokeless sporting cartridge (30-30) did¬
n’t arrive until 1895. From 1973 until 1977 the Ruger No. 3 single
shot was chambered for the 30-40 Krag, thus stimulating a
renewed interest in the cartridge.
General Comments The 30-40 (30-caliber/40 grains of the orig¬
inal smokeless powder load) Krag holds the unusual distinction of
being the cartridge used to take what is still the world’s record
Rocky Mountain elk in 1899. This cartridge has retained its pop¬
ularity primarily because large numbers of fine sporting conver¬
sions of the Krag military rifles and carbines chambered for it are
still in use. This speaks highly for both the cartridge and the gun.
If there is or has been a smoother working bolt-action rifle, I have
not seen it.
Although not quite as powerful as either the 30-06 or the 308
Winchester, the 30-40 is well suited for use against North Amer¬
ican big game. Just as with any cartridge, marksmanship and
bullet choice are important, especially when going after the
biggest and the meanest species on this continent. The Krag
earned its reputation with the 220-grain loading, but it can be
loaded to great advantage with lighter bullets for smaller species.
Interestingly, most authorities consider the 1895 Winchester
chambering to be safe with loads at a somewhat higher pressure
than the Krag rifle. However, both actions have limitations and
one should be particularly circumspect in this regard. Bountiful
loading data can be found in current manuals. The 30-40 is the
basis of an entire genre of powerful Ackley Improved chamber-
ings particularly suited to strong single shot rifles. Winchester is
the only remaining manufacturer of this caliber. Only the 180-
grain bullet is still offered.
30-40 Krag Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 SP
H-322
45
3000
1999
Speer
110SP
IMR 4320
47
2700
1781
Sierra, Speer
125 SP
IMR 4895
44.5
2600
1877
Sierra
130 SP
IMR 4064
45.5
2900
2428
Hornady, Speer
150 SP
IMR 4895
40
2400
1919
Nosier, Sierra
165 SP
IMR 4350
47
2500
2290
Hornady, Nosier, Sierra
180 SP
IMR 4350
46
2450
2400
Nosier, Sierra, Speer
180 SP
IMR 4895
39
2200
1935
Sierra
200 SP
IMR 3031
34
2100
1959
Nosier, Speer, Sierra
220 SP
IMR 4350
42
2100
2155
Hornady, Speer, Nosier
180 SP
FL
2430
2360
Factory load.
220 SP
FL
2200
2360
Factory load.
2 . 314 '
1 . 725 -
->
54 Cartridges of the World
1 . 830 "
Current American Rifle Cartridges
307 Winchester
Historical Notes The development of the rimmed 307 Win¬
chester began in 1980, with the first public announcement in
December, 1982. However, the cartridge and the Model 94 XTR
Angle Eject carbine chambered for it were not available until ear¬
ly 1983. The Marlin Model 336ER in 307 chambering introduced
at the same time is no longer offered. The Angle Eject feature is a
design modification of the beefed-up Model 94 XTR that ejects
spent cartridge cases to the side rather than straight up, which
was the way they ejected from earlier Model 94 actions. This was
accomplished by changing the position of the extractor and ejec¬
tor and lowering the right receiver side wall.
The 307 caliber designation is to avoid confusing this cartridge
with the other 30 calibers. It actually uses standard .308-inch
bullets. The 307 Winchester is essentially a rimmed 308 Win¬
chester although there is a difference in the overall cartridge
length and case thickness. Original factory loadings had 150- and
180-grain bullets.
General Comments The popular Model 1894 Winchester lever
action has always suffered from two major deficiencies: The
design did not allow center mounting of a scope sight; and the
tubular magazine required the use of flat-point bullets to prevent
one cartridge from setting off others in the magazine under recoil.
These factors combined to relegate the Model 1894 to largely
short-range woods and brush use. The new XTR Angle Eject
redesign eliminates the scope mounting problem and modernizes
an old, but popular action.
The 307 Winchester will certainly enhance the range and pow¬
er of lever-action rifles so chambered. It is, based on factory bal¬
listic figures, faster than the 30-30 by some 375 fps in muzzle
velocity. Although the 307 Winchester has the same general con¬
figuration as the rimless 308 Winchester, there are slight differ¬
ences that prevent it from achieving the full power of the 308. For
one thing, the bullet is seated slightly deeper to maintain an over¬
all length compatible with the length of the Model 1894 action.
The result is that for any given barrel length with the same bul¬
let weight the 308 will deliver approximately 60 to 110 fps more
muzzle velocity. Also, with its pointed bullet, the 308 will lose
velocity at a slower rate than the 307 flat-point.
It is possible to chamber and fire 308 cartridges in some 307
rifles. However, for various reasons, this is an unsafe practice
that could result in damage to the rifle and possible injury to the
shooter.
The 307 has slightly less velocity at 200 yards than the 30-30
has at 100 yards. If the 30-30 is an adequate 100-yard-plus deer
cartridge, then the 307 is certainly a 200-yard deer cartridge. It is
not likely to replace the 30-30 as America’s favorite deer cartridge,
but it is a more versatile cartridge and certainly takes the Model
94 carbine out of the woods, bush and short-range class. Although
it has been reported that the 307 Winchester has thicker case
walls and, therefore, reduced internal volume, measurements do
not verify this. Winchester is the only manufacturer of ammuni¬
tion in this caliber. Only the 180-grain bullet is still offered.
307 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)*
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
110SP
IMR 4895
44
2700
1781
Speer
130 SP
H-335
45
2800
2264
Speer
150 SP
IMR 4064
41
2500
2082
Homady, Speer
150 SP
H-335
41
2500
2082
Speer
170 SP
IMR 4064
41
2500
2360
Homady
170 SP
W748
41
2450
2266
Speer, Hornady
150 SP
FL
2760
2538
Factory load.
180 SP
FL
2510
2519
Factory load.
In tubular magazine rifles
, load only flat-point bullets.
8th Edition 55
Chapter 2
308 Winchester
(7.62x51 mm NATO)
Historical Notes Introduced by Winchester as a new sporting
cartridge in 1952, the 308 is nothing more than the NATO
7.62x51mm military round. This was a very smart move, to tack
the Winchester name on what was sure to become a popular
sporting number. Practically every manufacturer of high-pow¬
ered sporting rifles chambers the 308 since it will work through
medium- or standard-length actions. The Model 70 bolt-action
and 88 lever-action Winchester were the first American sporting
rifles so chambered. It was adopted as the official U.S. military
rifle cartridge in 1954, although weapons for it were not ready
until 1957.
General Comments In power, the 308 Winchester is superior to
the 300 Savage and almost equal to the 30-06. It delivers about 100
fps less muzzle velocity than the larger 30-06 with any given bullet
weight. Most authorities consider the 308 suitable for most North
American big game, although it’s on the light side for moose or big
brown bear. This caliber is a favorite of target shooters and has a
reputation for excellent accuracy. It is the basis for a number of
wildcat cartridges that have been adopted as factory chamberings:
243 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, 358 Winchester and the
rimmed versions 307 Winchester and 356 Winchester. All major
domestic and foreign ammunition companies offer this cartridge.
308 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
110SP IMR 4064
110 SP IMR 4895
125 SP W748
150 SP IMR 4064
150 SP IMR 4895
165 SP IMR 4064
180 SP IMR 3031
180 SP IMR 4064
190 SP IMR 4064
200 SP IMR 4064
150 SP FL
168HPBT FL
180 SP FL
ME
2502
2502
2668
2612
2429
2477
2500 2499
41.5 2500 2499
41.5 2500 2637
41.5 2400 2559
2820 2648
2600 2180
2620 2743
Source
Sierra
Hornady, Sierra
Sierra, Nosier
Nosier, Sierra, Speer
Nosier, Speer, Sierra
Sierra, Speer, Nosier, Hornady
Nosier
Nosier, Sierra, Hornady
Hornady, Speer, Sierra
Sierra
Factory load.
Factory load.
Factory load.
Powder/grs.
50
48
51.5
46
44
43
41
MV
3200
3200
3100
2800
2700
2600
1 . 560 •
1 . 710 »-»
56 Cartridges of the World
30-06 Springfield (7.62x63mm/
30 Government M’06)
Current American Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes The 30-06 Springfield is a United States mili¬
tary cartridge adapted from the 30-03 by adopting a lighter
streamlined bullet and making other minor changes. In this it par¬
allels other military cartridge developments at about the same
time, with French and German developments leading the way. It
was adopted in 1906 for the Model 1903 Springfield service rifle,
which was based on the Mauser bolt-action system. The Winches¬
ter Model 1895 lever action appears to have been the first sporting
rifle chambered for the 30-06. The cartridge was added to the line
in 1908. The Remington bolt-action Model 30, introduced in 1921,
and the Winchester bolt-action Model 54 brought out in 1925 both
offered the 30-06, among other calibers. The Savage bolt-action
Model 40 and 45 Super-Sporter rifles were also so chambered
when introduced in 1928. At present, in addition to the many bolt-
action rifles, the Remington Model Six slide action and Four semi¬
auto, as well as the Browning semi-auto, include the 30-06 as
standard calibers. The Ruger Number One single shot rifle is also
offered in 30-06. A number of British and European side-by-side or
over/under double rifles can be ordered in this caliber, and so can
some European rifle-shotgun combination guns.
General Comments The 30-06 is undoubtedly the most flexible,
useful, all-round big game cartridge available to the American
hunter. For many years it has been the standard by which all oth¬
er big game cartridges have been measured. To say that a car¬
tridge is in the 30-06 class means it is suitable for any game in
North America. The secret of success when using this cartridge is
to select the right bullet for the game and hunting conditions at
hand. Lighter bullets of 100 to 130 grains should be used only for
varmint and small game hunting. While these bullets can be dri¬
ven at impressive velocities (well over 3000 fps), they are designed
to expand rapidly on small game and will not penetrate properly
on large game. For deer, antelope, goat, sheep, black or brown
bear, under most hunting conditions, the 150- or 165-grain bullet
is proper and a good compromise for those seeking one load for
medium to heavy game. For heavier game such as elk, moose or
the big brown bear, the 180-, 200- or 220-grain bullets are the best
choice. The heavier bullets are also considered best for woods or
brush hunting, regardless of the quarry. The ’06 performs impres¬
sively with handloads using 250-grain bullets. Many experienced
hunters consider the 180-grain bullet the most satisfactory all¬
round loading for the 30-06 because it can be used effectively on
anything from deer to the heaviest game under almost any hunt¬
ing conditions. As a matter of fact, the 30-06 will give a good
account on all but the heaviest or most dangerous African or Asi¬
atic species under average hunting conditions. The 220-grain bul¬
let is generally recommended for African game although the
180-grain also has a good reputation there. With the proper bullet,
this cartridge can be adapted to any game or hunting situation in
North or South America, whether in the mountains, plains, woods
or jungles. Few other cartridges can claim equal versatility.
30-06 Springfield Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 SP
IMR 4064
59
3400
2568
Speer
110SP
IMR 4064
54.5
3300
2660
Sierra, Homady
110SP
H-380
56
3300
2660
Sierra
125 SP
IMR 3031
50
3100
2668
Sierra
130 SP
IMR 4350
58
3000
2599
Homady, Speer
150 SP
IMR 4350
59
3000
2998
Nosier, Speer, Sierra, Hornady
150 SP
IMR 4895
51
2900
2802
Nosier
165 SP
IMR 4320
50.5
2800
2873
Sierra
180 SP
IMR 4320
48.5
2700
2910
Sierra, Nosier
180 SP
IMR 4831
57
2750
3023
Speer, Nosier, Sierra
190 SP
IMR 4350
54
2700
3076
Hornady, Speer, Sierra
200 SP
IMR 4320
47
2400
2559
Nosier, Sierra
220 SP
IMR 4350
50.5
2400
2854
Homady, Sierra, Barnes
220 SP
IMR 4831
54
2500
3054
Homady, Sierra
250 SP
IMR 4831
47
2100
2499
Barnes
55 SP
FL (Accelerator)
4080
2033
Remington factory load.
125 SP
FL
3140
2736
Factory load.
150 SP
FL
2920
2839
Factory load.
165 SP
FL
2800
2873
Factory load.
168HPBT
FL
2700
2720
Factory load.
180 SP
FL
2700
2913
Factory load.
220 SP
FL
2410
2837
Factory load.
-2.494"-
l7°-30
.473" Q .470"
.441"
~7
1.948"-
-2.109"
.340'
8th Edition 57
Chapter 2
300 Holland & Holland
Magnum
(300 H&H Super)
Historical Notes The 300 H&H Magnum was introduced in
1925 by the British firm of Holland & Holland as “Holland’s
Super 30.” The Western Cartridge Co., the first American com¬
pany to load this round commercially, offered it here in 1925. No
American-made commercial rifles were chambered for the 300
H&H until 12 years after its introduction. However, Griffin &
Howe and other custom rifle makers turned out rifles for it
almost as soon as the British. In 1935, Ben Comfort won the
1000-yard Wimbledon Cup Match with this cartridge, and
overnight it became the new sensation. The Model 70 Winchester
was chambered for the 300 H&H in 1937, and the Model 721 and
succeeding Model 700 Remingtons were also available in this cal¬
iber. Most European bolt-action rifles chambered it as standard.
General Comments Since 1935, the 300 H&H has enjoyed a lim¬
ited popularity in the United States. Many shooters consider it the
best all-round 30-caliber available to the American hunter; others
insist it is hardly better than the 30-06. Regardless of which side
one favors, this is an accurate cartridge and adequate for any
North American big game. Its most useful range is from elk on up,
but it is also a veiy fine long-range cartridge for antelope, sheep or
goat. It is popular in Africa as an all-round caliber for plains game.
Lately, its popularity has suffered considerably from competition
with the 300 Weatherby and 300 Winchester Magnums. It is no
longer used for match competition. Derived from the earlier 375
H&H, the 300 H&H is the direct progenitor of an entire family of
“belted magnums.” With modem powders and best handloads the
300 H&H is very close ballistically to even the biggest 300 Mag¬
nums. Winchester, Remington and Federal all load this caliber.
300 Holland & Holland Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
110 HP
IMR 4350
76
3600
3166
Sierra, Homady
130 SP
IMR 4320
64
3400
3338
Homady
150 SP
IMR 4831
73
3300
3628
Nosier, Sierra, Speer
165 SP
IMR 4350
69
3100
3522
Sierra, Speer, Hornady
180 SP
IMR 4831
68
2900
3362
Sierra, Speer
190 SP
H-380
65.5
3000
3798
Homady
200 SP
IMR 4831
67.5
2800
3483
Sierra, Speer
220 SP
IMR 4350
63
2700
3562
Homady, Sierra
150
FL
3190
3390
Factory load.
180
FL
2880
3315
Factory load.
220
FL
2620
3350
Factory load.
.336
//
58 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
300 Winchester Magnum
Historical Notes This cartridge was introduced in 1963 for the
Winchester Model 70 bolt-action rifle. Rifles chambered for the
300 Winchester Magnum have since been introduced by most
domestic and European manufacturers.
General Comments The 300 Winchester Magnum’s arrival
was rather anti-climatic because everyone had been predicting it
from the day the 338 Winchester Magnum was brought out in
1958. The 30-338 wildcat quickly followed. The newer 300 Win¬
chester Magnum has a slightly longer body (by about .12-inch)
and a shorter neck than its predecessors. This short neck is con¬
sidered a poor feature as it means the heavy bullets have to pro¬
ject back into the powder space quite a bit. Whether Winchester
just wanted to make sure their round was different from the rest
or made the body longer so owners of 30-338 or 308 Norma rifles
could rechamber to the new cartridge is anyone’s guess. In any
event, the 300 Winchester Magnum is a fine long-range big game
cartridge in the same class as the 300 Weatherby and suitable for
any North American species. Actual factory-load ballistics may
be closer to 300 Weatherby Magnum ballistics than published
data suggests. With cartridges in this class and above recoil
becomes a factor for many shooters. It is loaded by all domestic
and many foreign ammunition manufacturers.
300 Winchester Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
110 HP
IMR 4350
80
3600
3166
Homady, Sierra
125 SP
IMR 4350
77
3400
3209
Sierra
130 SP
IMR 4064
66
3300
3144
Speer, Hornady
150 SP
IMR 4350
76
3300
3628
Sierra
150 SP
IMR 4895
62
3150
3306
Speer, Sierra
150 SP
IMR 4350
76
3200
3412
Speer, Sierra
165 SP
IMR 4831
76
3200
3753
Speer, Sierra
180 SP
IMR 4350
71
3000
3598
Sierra
190 SP
IMR 4831
74
3150
4187
Speer
200 SP
IMR 4350
68
2950
3866
Nosier
220 SP
IMR 4350
60
2500
3054
Homady, Sierra
150 SP
FL
3290
3605
Factory load.
180 SP
FL
2960
3501
Factory load.
200 SP
FL
2825
3544
Factory load.
220 SP
FL
2680
3508
Factory load.
2.196*
2.356"
8th Edition 59
Chapter 2
300 Weatherby Magnum
Historical Notes The 300 Weatherby Magnum is the most pop¬
ular and well-known cartridge of the Weatherby line. At the same
time, it is one of the most controversial. It was developed in 1944
as the last of the necked-down or improved Weatherby develop¬
ments based on the 300 H&H case. Commercial ammunition has
been available since 1948, under the Weatherby label. Weatherby
brand ammunition is loaded by Norma of Sweden. The Weather-
bys were the only U.S. rifles chambered for this round on a com¬
mercial basis, but it is a popular caliber among custom rifle
makers. In 1989, Remington offered their model 700 Classic in
300 Weatherby. Recently, Remington and PMC have begun offer¬
ing ammunition in this caliber.
General Comments The 300 Weatherby Magnum is the
biggest of the commercial 300 belted magnums. As such, it is
capable of delivering the best ballistics. Barrel life can be short,
some might classify recoil as severe, and ballistics suffer greatly
when shorter barrels are tried. None of these limitations matter
to many who use it strictly for big game hunting and seldom fire
it more than a few dozen times a year. It can be adapted to long-
range varmint shooting if one can develop an accurate enough
load, but it is not very flexible in that regard. For the hunter who
wants one rifle suitable for any species of non-dangerous big
game worldwide, the 300 WM is an excellent choice. However,
because of caliber restrictions, local game laws may prohibit its
use, even against non-dangerous species. This is another case of
archaic regulations, where the law might allow one to use an
entirely inappropriate loading from a much less powerful big-
bore; where, given the right choice of bullets, the 300 WM would
be much more effective and humane.
300 Weatherby Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
110 HP
IMR 4064
79.5
3800
3528
Homady, Sierra
125 SP
IMR 4831
87.5
3500
3401
Sierra
150 SP
H-380
77
3300
3628
Sierra
150 SP
IMR 4350
80.5
3200
3412
Homady, Speer
165 SP
IMR 4831
82
3200
3753
Speer, Sierra
180 SP
IMR 4350
76.5
3000
3598
Hornady, Speer, Nosier, Sierra
180 SP
MRP
84
3100
3842
Speer
200 SP
IMR 4350
75
2900
3736
Speer, Sierra
220 SP
H-450
77
2800
3831
Hornady
250 SP
IMR 7828
69
2350
3066
Barnes
150 SP
FL
3600
4316
Factory load.
165 SPBT
FL
3450
4360
Factory load.
180 SP
FL
3300
4352
Factory load.
190 SPBT
FL
3030
3873
Factory load.
220 SP
FL
2905
4122
Factory load.
60 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
303 Savage
Historical Notes Originally developed as a potential military
cartridge in 1895, the 303 Savage was later introduced commer¬
cially as one of several calibers for the popular Savage Model
1899 lever action. Savage discontinued this caliber when rifle pro¬
duction was resumed after WWII. In England it is known as the
301 Savage. No new rifles are chambered for this round at the
present time. The current Winchester loading uses the original
190-grain bullet weight. They are the only manufacturer of this
caliber.
General Comments Dogma holds that the 303 Savage is not a
true 303 but instead uses standard 0.308-inch bullets. However,
current SAAMI specifications call for a bullet of 0.311-inch. Mea¬
surements of bullets on three lots of each of two makes of WWII
era factory loads yeilds mixed results. Some were 0.308-inch+,
others 0.310-inch+. The 303 is similar to the 30-30 in size, shape
and performance, but the two are not interchangeable. With its
190-grain bullet, many old woods hunters swore by it as a brush
cartridge. With the relatively heavy bullet at moderate velocity, it
gave good penetration on deer-size animals. However, it is holis¬
tically no more powerful than the 30-30 so its use should be
restricted to deer at short ranges. Unfortunately, Savage never
took advantage of the fact that the 99 rifle is particularly suited to
the use of spitzer bullets. Proper loadings of 150-grain spitzers in
the 303 could have moved it completely out of the 30-30 class and
might have come a long way toward increasing its popularity. As
it has always been loaded, it is effective only at close range. This
need not have been the case. Many handloaders still use the 303
Savage with 150-grain spitzer bullets loaded to about 2500 fps. It
is still no long-range wonder, but such a load gives it a decided
edge over any other 30-30-class chambering. Although still loaded
commercially, it is rapidly becoming obsolete.
303 Savage Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 SP
IMR 4064 36
2400
1919
Lyman
170 SP
IMR 3031 31
2170
1778
Lyman
180 SP
FL
2140
1830
Factory load.
190 SP
FL
1890
1507
Winchester factory load.
8th Edition 61
Chapter 2
7.62x39 (7.62x39mm Soviet)
Historical Notes This cartridge is the standard military caliber
for the Russian armed forces. It has become a modem favorite of
U.S. sportsmen by virtue of the thousands of new and used SKS
and AK 47-type carbines being imported and sold at very low
prices. Ruger, Sako, and others are now making sporting rifles in
this caliber. For example the Ruger Mini Thirty semi-auto car¬
bine and bolt-action M77 rifle are both offered in 7.62x39mm. All
major American ammunition manufacturers now offer this cal¬
iber with a softpoint bullet, brass case, and non-corrosive Boxer
primer. Imported, low cost surplus military ammunition from
present and former Communist countries is usually steel cases
with corrosive Berdan primers.
General Comments While previous military cartridges gener¬
ally made suitable hunting calibers with proper bullets, many
writers condemn the 7.62x39 out of hand as being unsuited for
hunting anything beyond small game. In short, it is very much
like the Ml Carbine cartridge—fine for military use but useless
for hunting. But at 100 yards, the 125-grain bullet of the 7.62x39
still retains 1129 fps of striking energy compared to the 1356 fps
of the 30-30 Winchester. That is only 17 percent less and nearly
twice that of the 30 Carbine (600 fps). And what of the 44 Mag¬
num with 988 fps at 100 yards? Still, the 7.62x39 is very definite¬
ly a close-range number suitable for deer, javelina and the like.
With the best handloads and the proper bullet, it can do even bet¬
ter. It can be loaded to good advantage with 150-grain bullets and
then becomes a very good 30-30-class deer rifle. Youthful shooters
and women will appreciate its low recoil and mild report. After¬
market bullet manufacturers now offer suitable bullets. Bore
diameter is nominally .311-inch but .308-inch diameter bullets
can be used with good results and most reloading dies will accom¬
modate this by including expander balls for both bullet sizes.
7.62mm Soviet Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
110SP
IMR 4727
42
2500
1527
Speer
125 SP
RL-7
26.5
2400
1599
Hornady, Sierra
130 SP
IMR 4198
25
2250
1462
Speer
135 SP
IMR 4227
22.5
2200
1451
Sierra
150 SP
IMR 4198
22
2100
1469
Hornady
123 SP
FL
2300
1445
Federal factory load.
123 SP
FL
2365
1527
Winchester factory load.
125 SP
FL
2365
1552
Remington factory load.
62 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes The 303 British was the official military rifle
cartridge of England and the British Empire from its adoption in
1888 until the 7.62 NATO came along in the 1950s. Original load¬
ing was a 215-grain bullet and a compressed charge of blackpow-
der—smokeless powder became the propellant in 1892.
Manufacture in the U.S. began about 1897. Remington cham¬
bered their Lee bolt-action magazine rifle for this cartridge and
Winchester did likewise in their Model 95 lever action. No Amer¬
ican rifle has chambered the 303 British since 1936. However,
Winchester, Federal and Remington continue to load this popular
caliber.
General Comments The 303 British has always been popular
in Canada and other parts of the British Empire. In the U.S. it
has not been as widely used because of its performance similari¬
ty to the 30-40 Krag. However, since the end of WWII, the impor¬
tation of large numbers of British Lee-Enfield military rifles has
altered this situation. At the present time, the 303 is more popu¬
lar than the 30-40 Krag. Norma imports 130- and 180-grain loads
that greatly increase the flexibility and usefulness of this car¬
tridge for the American hunter. The 215-grain bullet has always
had a good reputation for deep penetration and is a favorite for
moose and caribou in the Canadian backwoods. The 303 is suit¬
able for anything the 30-40 Krag is in the way of game. In Aus¬
tralia, a number of popular sporting cartridges are based on
necking-down and/or reforming the 303 case.
(Editor's Note: Although often classed with the 30-40 Krag, this
cartridge is loaded to higher pressures and delivers superior bal¬
listics. Foreign factory loads place it very close ballistically to the
308 Winchester and measurably above any factory 30-40 load,
though handloads for the 30-40 in the Model 95 Winchester can
match the 303 British.)
303 British Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 SP
IMR 4064
43
2600
2252
Speer, Hornady
150 SP
IMR 4895
42
2400
1919
Sierra, Speer
150 SP
IMR 4064
43
2600
2252
Speer, Sierra
180 SP
IMR 4895
42
2400
2303
Sierra
180 SP
IMR 4350
46
2400
2303
Speer, Hornady
130 SP
FL
2789
2246
Factory load.
150 SP
FL
2690
2400
Factory load.
180 SP
FL
2460
2420
Factory load.
215 SP
FL
2180
2270
Factory load.
Century International RI-02
Lee Enfield No. I MKIII
1.790"
* 1.890" *
A -----
2 . 222 "
8th Edition 63
Chapter 2
32-20 Winchester (32-20 WCF)
Historical Notes Introduced by Winchester in 1882 for their
Model 73 lever-action rifle, the 32-20 quickly attained consider¬
able popularity as a medium-power cartridge in both rifle and
revolver. Practically all American makers have chambered rifles
for the 32-20 in lever, slide or bolt action, and most single shot
rifles have also chambered it. Colt, Smith & Wesson and Bayard
made revolvers in this caliber. Marlin reintroduced it for their
Model 94CL lever action in 1988. Winchester once offered a
lighter 100-grain bullet blackpowder load for the 32 Colt Light¬
ning magazine rifle, headstamped .32 C.L.M.R. A similar 100-
grain loading specifically for Marlin rifles was headstamped
.32-20. Both Remington and Winchester still offer factory loaded
ammunition in this caliber.
General Comments Although semi-obsolete, the 32-20 still
enjoys modest popularity with farmers, ranchers, trappers and
pot hunters. It can be reloaded easily and at moderate cost. In
addition, it delivers good killing power on small and medium
game at ranges out to 100 yards without destroying all the edible
meat.
Winchester once advertised it as a combination small game
and deer cartridge. It is much too underpowered for deer-size ani¬
mals. It is, nonetheless, a useful small game and varmint car¬
tridge at short ranges, and it is quite accurate in a bolt-action or
solid-frame single shot.
The author has had considerable personal experience with the
old 32-20, having owned and hunted with several rifles of this cal¬
iber. These included (in chronological order), a Winchester Model
1892 lever action, Savage Model 23C bolt action, Remington
Model 25A slide action and a rechambered Greener single shot
Cadet rifle. The only one I still have is the Remington slide action,
which is one of those things, along with my wife, that I just won’t
part with.
The Savage bolt action with a scope sight would shoot very con¬
sistently into 1 to IV4 inches at 100 yards. This was a very nice
little varmint and small game combination at ranges of 100 to
125 yards. I used this in the immediate post WWII era when
nothing else was available, and it worked out very well within its
range limitations. I have also used the 25-20, but always consid¬
ered the 32-20 a better all-around caliber in this class. It’s a bet¬
ter killer on just about anything at practical ranges.
In a strong single-action revolver, the 32-20 can be loaded to
1050 to 1100 fps from a 6-inch barrel, which makes a very effec¬
tive field gun. Trouble is, the cartridge is too long for most mod¬
em revolver cylinders. The 32 H&R Magnum is shorter and will
serve to fill the requirement for a high-performance 32-caliber
handgun round. The 357 Magnum revolver cartridge chambering
in a rifle will out perform the 32-20 by a substantial margin. In
any event, the author has always liked the 32-20 for certain pur¬
poses, although by today’s standards it is a bit on the obsolete
side. The 32-20 is the basis for the 25-20 and the 218 Bee.
32-20 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
85 SP
2400
12.5
2100
833
Rifle only—Homady
85 SP
IMR 4227
17
2300
999
Rifle only—Homady
85 SP
H-110
14
2100
833
Rifle only—Homady
110SP
IMR 4227
15
2000
977
Rifle only—Homady
110SP
H-110
15.5
2100
1077
Rifle only—Homady
110SP
2400
10.5
1700
706
Rifle only—Homady
80 SP
FL
2100
780
Factory load.
100 SP
FL
1210
325
Factory load.
WARNING: Do not use rifle loads in revolvers; pressures develop beyond what the average handgun is
designed to withstand.
64 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
32 Winchester Special (32 WS)
Historical Notes Introduced in 1895 for the then-new Win¬
chester Model 1894 lever action, the 32 Special was an original
smokeless powder design. Because it is a rimmed shell, it has
never been used in anything but lever-action and single shot
rifles. Remington brought out a rimless version to function in
their bolt and semi-auto rifles. Winchester and Marlin were the
principal American companies to chamber the 32 Special. Feder¬
al, Remington and Winchester continue to offer factory loaded
ammunition in this caliber.
General Comments In their 1916 catalog Winchester had this
to say about the 32 Special: “The 32 Winchester Special, which
we have perfected, is offered to meet the demand of many sports¬
men for a smokeless powder cartridge of larger caliber than the
30 Winchester and yet not so powerful as the 30 Army.” They go
on to explain that the 32 Special meets these requirements and
the 1916 ballistics chart shows it generating 10.6 percent more
energy than the 30-30 at the muzzle and retaining an edge to any
reasonable hunting range.
Today, it is still loaded to higher velocity, and if loaded to equal
pressure, it easily beats the 30-30 by over 100 fps. However, bul¬
let selection is limted. Speer’s 170-grain flat point, the most
streamlined available, actually has a higher ballistic coefficient
than most 170-grain 30-30 bullets. For those whose 32 Special
rifle has a truly shot-out barrel, Homady’s 170-grain round-nose
0.323-inch bullet works wonderfully. There has been a mountain
of bunk written as to how the 32 Special answered the demand of
handloaders who wanted to use blackpowder. Since the same rifle
was originally chambered for the 32-40 at about one-half the price
of the nickel steel 32 Special version, this seems fantastic. They
would have us believe that the man wanting to save money on
ammunition would for no reason spend the price of two rifles for
the privilege. Much ink has also been spilled claiming the 32 Spe¬
cial just wouldn’t shoot straight after the barrel got a bit of wear.
I have experimented with two 32 Special carbines, a very early
Winchester and a 1936 Marlin. With bullets that fit, both shoot
inside 3 inches at 100 yards with open sights. The Winchester
had been so abused that its rifling hardly showed until we thor-
oughtly cleaned it. The bore is pitted but it shoots just fine.
32 Winchester Special Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
170 SP
RL7 31.0
2283
1965
Lyman
170 SP
W748 36.2
2240
1890
Winchester
170 SP
FL
2250
1910
Factory load.
8th Edition 65
Chapter 2
8mm Mauser (7.92mm Mauser/
8x57mmJ/8x57mml/
8x57mmS/8x57JS)
Historical Notes The 8mm or 7.92 Mauser was the German
military rifle cartridge through both world wars. It was officially
adopted in 1888 with a bullet diameter of .318-inch. In 1905, the
bullet diameter was increased to .323-inch. In Europe, the 8mm
Mauser and several other 8mm cartridges are available in both
sizes. The larger size is always designated as S or JS bore. In the
U.S., ammunition companies load only the .323-inch diameter or
“S” bullet. The 8mm Mauser is widely chambered in European
sporting rifles, but American gunmakers have not adopted it as a
standard sporting caliber. The “J” or “I” in the name denotes
infantry ammuntion. The German capital “I” was mistaken for a
capital “J” by U.S. military interpreters after WWI and the “J”
misnomer came into common use here thereafter.
General Comments The 8mm Mauser had not been very pop¬
ular in the U.S. prior to WWII. However, the large number of
obsolete, surplus 8mm military rifles sold here since the end of
WWII has increased its use substantially. American cartridge
companies only put out one loading; the 170-grain bullet at 2360
fps or so. As loaded by Norma and by other European companies,
such as RWS, it is in the same class as our 30-06. It is adequate
for any North American big game if the proper bullets and full
loadings are used. A large variety of good .323-inch bullets is now
available for the individual handloader, and this has increased
the usefulness of the 8mm Mauser for the American shooter.
8mm Mauser (8x57mm JS) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
125 SP
H-4198
44
3100
2668
Homady
125 SP
IMR 3031
49
3100
2668
Homady
150 SP
IMR 4320
53.5
2900
2802
Homady
150 SP
IMR 3031
49
2750
2519
Speer
175 SP
IMR 3031
45.5
2600
2627
Sierra
200 SP
IMR 4831
54
2400
2559
Speer
220 SP
IMR 4831
2200
2365
Homady
159 SP
FL
2723
2618
European factory load.
170 SP
FL
2360
2100
U.S. factory load.
196 SP
FL
2526
2778
European factory load.
198 SP
FL
2625
3031
European factory load.
200 SP
FL
2320
2390
European factory load.
227 SP
FL
2330
2737
European factory load.
WARNING! Many J-bore (.318-inch) rifles still exist and will fire
S-bore (.323-inch) cartridges, creating dangerous pressures. When in
doubt, check bore diameter CAREFULLY!
2 . 240 "-
66 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes This cartridge was a Remington development
announced in 1978 for their Model 700 BDL bolt-action rifle. The
8mm Magnum is something of a departure from the usual belted,
short magnum configuration favored by Remington in the past, a
design which will work through the standard-length bolt action.
The 8mm Magnum is based on the full-length 375 H&H case
blown out, thus requiring a .375-inch longer bolt travel than the
standard 30-06 length action.
Again, this is not an entirely original design since it was pre¬
ceded by similar developments in years past. The 8x68mm (S)
Magnum, for example, originated in Germany around 1940, and
a number of 8mm wildcat magnums such as the 8mm Ernst,
8x62 Durham, 323 Hollis, 8mm PMM, etc., date back to the late
1950s and early 1960s. However, this is the first commercial
8mm magnum cartridge introduced by an American company.
Remington originally offered two loadings: a 185-grain bullet at a
muzzle velocity of 3080 fps and a 220-grain at 2830 fps. The 220-
grain load has since been dropped. There is a good selection of
8mm (.323-inch diameter) bullets available for handloading this
cartridge.
General Comments Comparing either handloaded or factory
ballistics for the 338 Winchester Magnum and the 8mm Reming¬
ton Magnum, one can easily see why the latter failed to gamer
any great following. Any minuscule ballistic advantage it might
have just doesn’t justify the increased cartridge length and recoil
resulting from a heavier powder charge. Add to that a limited bul¬
let selection and the 8mm Remington Magnum dims even fur¬
ther. With lighter recoil and potentially flatter trajectories, the
various 300 Magnums have it beat on that side; with heavier bul¬
lets shooting almost as flat and delivering more energy the 338
Winchester Magnum and the 340 Weatherby Magnum have it
beat on the other side. This is a classic example of a cartridge that
fails to fill any useful niche. Do to its large powder capacity, this
cartridge is another that is particularly sensitive to barrel length.
8mm Remington Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
125 SP
IMR 4064
76
3600
3598
Homady
150 SP
IMR 4350
79.5
3300
3628
Speer, Hornady, Sierra
175 SP
IMR 4831
80
3100
3735
Speer, Sierra, Hornady
200 SP
IMR 4831
78
3050
4132
Nosier, Speer
220 SP
IMR 4831
76
2800
3831
Sierra, Hornady
250 SP
IMR 7828
72
2550
3611
Barnes
185 SP
nnn on
FL
3080
3896
Remington factory load.
220 SP
FL
2830
3912
Remington factory load.
2.389"-
-2.530“
8th Edition 67
Chapter 2
338 Winchester Magnum
Historical Notes Announced in 1958, the 338 is another of the
series based on the 458 Winchester necked-down. Initially avail¬
able only in the Winchester Model 70 “Alaskan” bolt-action rifle,
Remington adopted it for their 700 Series bolt action. Some of the
European rifle makers also chamber it, as does Ruger for their
Model 77 and No. 1 rifle and many custom and semi-custom
rifles. Browning’s autoloader also chambers it.
General Comments Designed to cover the heaviest of North
American big game, the 338 has also done well in Africa on the
larger varieties of plains game. Although slightly less powerful
than the 375 H&H Magnum, the 338 is better suited for North
American hunting conditions and game. It is a well-balanced car¬
tridge for anything from elk through moose and grizzly bear
under almost any situation. It could also serve very well for deer
or antelope, even though it is overly powerful for this class. Like
the 300 WM, the 338 Winchester would make an excellent one-
gun cartridge for the worldwide hunter who has to travel light.
The 338 is automatically barred in some African countries in
which the 375 is the minimum caliber. Lately, the 338 has
enjoyed a renewed and well-deserved popularity. Winchester,
Remington and Federal all load this caliber.
338 Winchester Magnum Reloading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
175 SP
IMR 4895
67.5
3200
3980
Barnes
200 SP
IMR 4831
76.5
3000
4000
Homady, Speer
200 SP
IMR 4350
71.5
2900
4048
Speer, Homady
210 SP
IMR 4350
73
2900
3923
Nosier
225 SP
IMR 4831
72
2800
3918
Hornady
250 SP
IMR 4831
71
2700
4048
Speer, Sierra
250 SP
IMR 4350
70
2700
4048
Sierra
275 SP
IMR 4831
68
2500
3817
Speer
275 SP
IMR 4064
58
2400
3518
Speer
300 SP
IMR 7828
70
2500
4164
Barnes
200 SP
FL
2960
3890
Factory load.
225 SP
FL
2780
3860
Factory load.
250 SP
FL
2660
3921
Factory load.
2.040'-
.369"
- 4 -
68 Cartridges of the World
2.170"-
Current American Rifle Cartridges
340 Weatherby Magnum
Historical Notes The growing popularity of the 338 Winches¬
ter Magnum for elk and larger game undoubtedly influenced the
development of the 340 Weatherby. First announcement of the
new caliber came in 1962. John Amber had one of the first 340
WM rifles and reported 100-yard groups of 2 inches or less—quite
good for such a heavy-caliber hunting rifle.
General Comments With its larger case, the 340 Weatherby
develops higher velocity with any given bullet weight than the
338 Winchester. Velocity of 3260 fps with the 200-grain bullet
and 2980 with the 250-grain is impressive. This means around
4700 fpe with either bullet. This should be quite effective on
African game. A 210-grain Nosier bullet loading is also available
with an MV of 3250. All of these figures derive from 26-inch bar¬
rels. The cartridge is suitable for all North American big game
and most African species as well. Weatherby ammunition is
loaded by Norma of Sweden. Handloaders will find that case life
with Weatherby (Norma) cases is very limited with top hand¬
loads due to soft case heads. This problem can be eliminated by
reforming 8mm Remington Magnum cases but these require a
significant reduction in charge due to much reduced capacity.
Nevertheless, such loads can surpass any safe load in Norma
cases because Remington cases can safely withstand somewhat
higher pressures and because the lost powder space wasn’t real¬
ly necessary anyway. Ballistics are greatly handicapped if short¬
er barrels are used.
340 Weatherby Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
175 SP
IMR 4350
85.5
3250
4105
Barnes
200 SP
IMR 4350
82
3000
3998
Speer, Homady
200 SP
IMR 4350
84
3200
4549
Homady
210 SP
IMR 4350
83.5
3200
4776
Nosier
225 SP
IMR 4831
83
3000
4498
Homady
250 SP
IMR 4350
77
2800
4353
Sierra, Speer, Homady
250 SP
IMR 4831
80
2800
4353
Sierra, Hornady, Speer
275 SP
IMR 4350
76
2600
4129
Speer
275 SP
IMR 7828
88
2750
4619
Speer
300 SP
IMR 7828
77.5
2550
4333
Barnes
200 SP
FL
3260
4719
Weatherby factory load.
210 SP
FL
3250
4924
Weatherby factory load.
250 SP
FL
2980
4931
Weatherby factory load.
Federal 215 primers used in all cases.
8th Edition 69
Chapter 2
348 Winchester
Historical Notes Developed by Winchester for their Model 71
lever-action rifle and introduced in 1936, the 348 is a modernized
version of the 33 Winchester. No other rifle has ever been com¬
mercially available for this cartridge and the Model 71 was dis¬
continued in 1958. In 1987, Browning marketed a limited
number of reproduction Model 71s that were made in Japan. At
this writing, only Winchester still loads the 348, and the 200-
grain bullet load is the lone survivor. The Model 71 was the
smoothest lever action ever built.
General Comments One of the more powerful rimmed car¬
tridges available for the lever-action rifle, the 348 was supposed¬
ly made obsolete by the newer 358 Winchester and the more
modem Model 88 lever-action rifle (now also discontinued). The
348 is an excellent woods and bush cartridge for any North Amer¬
ican big game. Due to the flat-point bullets required by the tubu¬
lar magazine of the Model 71 rifle, it is not a particularly good
long-range cartridge. The 150-grain bullet has very poor ballistic
properties due to its short, flat shape, and the 200- or 250-grain
bullets are preferred for anything beyond 100 yards. Winchester
dropped the 150-grain and 250-grain loads in 1962 but still offers
the 200-grain loading. Remington no longer loads the round. The
348 is the basis of an entire list of improved cartridges. Perhaps
the best of these, a somewhat improved 45-caliber version, which
is very close to 458 Winchester Magnum performance, is still
prized as among the best combination ever invented for use in
Alaska against heavy game in close quarters.
348 Winchester Reloading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 SP
H-4895
53
2500
2776
Homady
200 SP
IMR 4350
60.5
2500
2776
Homady
200 SP
IMR 4064
51
2400
2559
Homady
250 SP
IMR 4350
55
2300
2937
Barnes
150 SP
FL
2890
2780
Factory load
200 SP
FL
2520
2820
Winchester factory load
250 SP
FL
2350
3060
Factory load
70 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
35 Remington
Historical Notes Introduced with the Remington Model 8 semi¬
automatic rifle in 1906, the 35 Remington was later also cham¬
bered in the Remington Models 14 and 141 slide action, the
Model 81 semi-auto, Model 30 bolt action, and for a short time, in
the Winchester bolt-action Model 70. At one time, the Marlin 336
lever, Mossberg 479 lever and Savage 170 slide-action rifles were
offered in 35 Remington. Currently, only the Marlin is still avail¬
able in rifles; the Remington XP-100 and T/C pistols are cham¬
bered for the 35 Remington.
General Comments The 35 Remington is the only one of the
Remington rimless line of medium-powered cartridges still alive.
It has proven itself over the years as a reliable short-range woods
cartridge on deer or black bear. It has far better knockdown pow¬
er than the 30-30 under any conditions and at any range. The
velocity and energy figures are not very different from the 30-30,
but the larger, heavier bullet has greater shock and makes a
more severe wound. The 200-grain bullet is the only one that
should ever be used on big game. The 35 Remington, with its
moderate recoil, is a good cartridge for fight rifles or carbines at
short ranges of 150 yards or less. It was originally the Remington
counter to the much more powerful 35 Winchester. When I was a
boy, my “hunting uncle” used a Model 8 Remington rifle in 35
Remington caliber with great success. However, I don’t think he
ever chanced a shot at much over 150 yards, and that probably
had a great deal to do with it. Remington, Winchester and Feder¬
al offer ammunition in this caliber.
35 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
125 SP
W680
32
2400
1599
Speer
140 HP
RL-7
40
2500
1943
Speer
158 SP
IMR 3031
37
2200
1698
Homady, Speer
180 SP
IMR 4895
37
2050
1680
Speer
200 SP
IMR 3031
36
2000
1777
Homady, Sierra
220 SP
IMR 4064
36
1850
1672
Speer
150 SP
FL
2300
1762
Factory load.
200 SP
FL
2080
1921
Factory load.
For light loads for small game or varmint shooting at short range, use any 150-160-gr. lead, gascheck or
half-jacketed 38 revolver bullet and 15 grs. of 2400. MV will be about 2200 fps.
.384"
1.584"
8th Edition 71
Chapter 2
356 Winchester
Historical Notes The 356 Winchester is a rimmed cartridge
developed concurrently with the 307 Winchester for the Winches¬
ter Model 94 XTR Angle Eject lever-action carbine. Development
of both cartridges began in 1980, and guns and ammunition were
available on the market early in 1983. Marlin introduced their
lever-action Model 336ER in 356-caliber at about the same time as
the Winchester hit the market. The Winchester Model 94 XTR is a
beefed-up version of the original Model 94 lever action to allow the
use of higher pressure cartridges. The angle-eject feature is an
additional modification to eject spent cartridge cases out to the
side instead of straight up. This feature allows center mounting of
a scope sight, something not possible with the original 1894 action.
This was accomplished by repositioning the extractor and ejector
and lowering the right side wall of the receiver slightly.
The 356-caliber designation is to avoid confusion with the rim¬
less 358 Winchester. In fact, the 356 is little more than a rimmed
358 and uses the same diameter bullets. The 356 and the 358 are
not identical since the 356 not only has a rim, but also the bullet
is seated deeper to reduce the overall length and the case is heav¬
ier. It’s possible to chamber 358 cartridges in 356 rifles, but firing
them is an unsafe practice that could damage to the gun and
cause serious injury to the shooter.
General Comments The ballistics of the 356 are slightly below
the older rimless 358. Although it has been reported that the 356
Winchester and 307 have thicker case walls than the correspond¬
ing rimless 308 and 358 cartridges and, therefore, reduced inter¬
nal volume, measurements do not verify this. However, the 356
delivers performance superior to the 35 Remington by a signifi¬
cant margin. Factory-published ballistics data show that the 35
Remington 200-grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2080 fps,
whereas the 356 Winchester delivers 2460 fps with the same bul¬
let weight, both from a 24-inch barrel.
While the 35 Remington is largely a short-range woods or
brush cartridge for deer or black bear, the 356 Winchester would
be adequate for larger game up to elk at longer ranges. One
should consider though that both the Winchester and Marlin
lever-action carbines with their short 20-inch barrels are intend¬
ed primarily as fight, handy guns for use in heavy brush or tim¬
ber. A hunter armed with one of the 356 carbines could probably
take on just about anything likely to be encountered in the conti¬
nental U.S. at short to moderate ranges. The 358 Winchester nev¬
er achieved great popularity, and it will be interesting to see how
well the 356 is received over the next decade or so. Winchester is
the only commercial manufacturer of this caliber.
356 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
jllet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
158 SP
H-322
49
2600
2372
Speer
180 SP
H-322
48
2600
2703
Speer
180 SP
H-335
48
2500
2500
Speer
180 SP
IMR 4320
47
2300
2115
Speer
220 SP
IMR 4064
46
2300
2585
Speer
220 SP
H-335
43
2250
2474
Speer
220 SP
IMR 4895
46
2250
2474
Speer
200 SP
FL
2460
2688
Factory load.
250 SP
FL
2160
2591
Factory load.
In tubular magazine rifles, load only flat-point bullets.
72 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
358 Winchester
Historical Notes Introduced in 1955 by Winchester for its
Model 70 Lightweight bolt-action and Model 88 lever-action
rifles, the 358 Winchester is based on the 308 Winchester case
necked-up. It is known in Europe as the 8.8x51mm. Many Euro¬
pean rifle makers chamber the round. In the U.S., only the
Browning BLR lever action is currently chambered for this car¬
tridge. The Model 99 Savage was also once available in 358.
General Comments The 358 Winchester is one of the best com¬
mercial (non-magnum) 35-caliber cartridges turned out by any
American manufacturer. It is a big improvement over the 35
Remington, slightly more powerful than the old 35 Winchester,
and more useful than the 348 Winchester. As the 308 Winchester
is a shortened and scaled-down version of the 30-06, by the same
token the 358 is a scaled-down 35 Whelen. With its spitzer-point-
ed bullets, the 358 is a good medium- to long-range cartridge with
capabilities out to 250 yards on big game. Although a good woods
number, it is definitely out of the short-range, deer-only class. In
fact, the 358 is adequate for any North American big game. With
the 250-grain bullet, it is better than the 30-06 on heavy game in
thick cover. The 358 in a bolt-action rifle with a good scope sight
is as accurate as any hunting cartridge available. Performance
can be improved by handloading. Winchester is the only remain¬
ing manufacturer of this caliber.
358 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
158 SP
RL-7
48
2850
2850
Speer
180 SP
IMR 3031
51
2700
2914
Speer
200 SP
IMR 4320
50.5
2500
2776
Homady, Sierra
200 SP
H-4198
40.5
2500
2776
Homady
220 SP
BL-C2
49
2500
3054
Speer
250 SP
IMR 3031
41.5
2200
2687
Homady, Speer
250 SP
IMR 4064
44
2250
2811
Speer
300 SP
IMR 4895
43
2200
3225
Barnes
200 SP
FL
2490
2753
Factory load.
250 SP
FL
2250
2810
Factory load.
8th Edition 73
Chapter 2
35 Whelen
Historical Notes Facts uncovered in recent research suggest
that Col. Townsend Whelen may, after all, have been intimate¬
ly involved in the creation of this cartridge which has generally
been heretofore attributed to James Howe of Griffin & Howe,
whom it was said developed it and named it after the famous
writer, hunter and gun authority. The 35 Whelen is simply the
30-06 case necked up without any other change. Ackley cham¬
pioned an improved version, which features less body taper and
a sharper shoulder. The improved version has two significant
advantages. First is about 10 percent more usable capacity, pro¬
viding a similar increase in ballistics. The second is the more
distinct shoulder which completely solves the poor headspacing
problem 35 Whelen rifles have, resulting from a too narrow,
steeply sloping shoulder. One is hard pressed to explain why
Remington chose to standardize the inferior version when they
adopted the 35 Whelen as a factory chambering in 1987. In
addition to numerous custom rifles, the 35 Whelen is now
offered in several factory bolt actions, Remington’s pump action
and Ruger’s single shot.
General Comments Remington has been active in adding pop¬
ular wildcats to their line of commercial cartridges. The 35 Whe¬
len is another example. The author has had considerable past
experience with the 35 Whelen, and it is an excellent cartridge
for any North American big game and most African species as
well. A slide-action rifle of this caliber increases the potential of
this type of rifle for those who favor it. The 35 Whelen is one of
the best balanced and most flexible medium bores for North
American big game. There is a large variety of 35-caliber bullets
available to the handloader, ranging from 110 to 300 grains in
weight. Practically all of the reloading tool manufacturers furnish
dies and cases are easy to make. The popularity of the 35 Whelen
has waxed and waned over the years, reaching a peak during the
1920s and again shortly after WWII. Only Remington manufac¬
tures this caliber.
35 Whelen Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
180 SP
IMR 4895
59
2700
2914
Hornady
180 SP
IMR 4320
56
2700
2914
Nosier
200 SP
IMR 4064
58.5
2600
3003
Hornady
225 SP
IMR 4320
56
2500
3123
Sierra
250 SP
IMR 4895
52.5
2500
3470
Hornady
250 SP
IMR 4064
54.5
2400
3198
Hornady
250 SP
RL-15
55
2400
3198
Hornady
300 SP
BL-C2
57
2500
4164
Barnes
200 SP
FL
2675
3177
Remington factory load.
250 SP
FL
2400
3197
Remington factory load.
74 Cartridges of the World
350 Remington Magnum
bfB
Current American Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes The 350 Remington Magnum first appeared
in the 1965 Remington catalog concurrently with the Model 600
Magnum bolt-action carbine that chambered it. The original car¬
bine had an 18-inch barrel but in 1968 this was lengthened to 20
inches as the Model 660 Magnum carbine. By 1971, the Model
600 and 660 Magnum carbines had been discontinued, but the
350 Magnum was continued as a standard chambering for the
Model 700 bolt-action rifle until 1974. For a short time, the Ruger
Model 77 bolt-action rifle was available in 350 Magnum. At the
present time, no factory rifles are regularly chambered for this
cartridge, but ammunition is still loaded by Remington. The car¬
tridge is unique in having a somewhat short, fat-belted case with
the same capacity as the 30-06. This allows for its use in short-
action rifles that can be made a bit fighter and handier than those
based on the standard-length bolt action.
General Comments With bullets of moderate weight, the 350
Remington Magnum can about duplicate 35 Whelen ballistics but
can be chambered in short bolt-action rifles. This is a significant
advantage for those preferring a fight handy rifle with plenty of
punch. Also, many find the short-throw bolt to be much easier to
master and use. For those preferring heavier bullets, the round-
nose design doesn’t take up so much of the powder space and,
therefore, can safely develop better muzzle energy. For use where
shots will not be long these may be the best choice. For those with
350 Remington Magnum rifles in full-length actions, heavy
spitzers can sometimes safely be seated to exceed the nominal
2.80 inches length for the cartridge and increased muzzle energy
can be achieved. Here though, it is hard to see any advantage
over the 35 Whelen, which generally feeds smoother from a mag¬
azine holding one additional cartridge. The 350 Remington Mag¬
num is adequate for any North American big game at short to
medium ranges.
350 Remington Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
125 HP
IMR 4895
60
2850
2255
Speer
158 SP
IMR 3031
58
2850
2850
Speer
180 SP
IMR 4064
62
2900
3362
Speer
200 SP
IMR 4320
60
2700
3238
Homady, Sierra
220 SP
IMR 4895
60
2650
3431
Speer
250 SP
IMR 4895
53
2350
3066
Speer, Nosier
300 SP
IMR 4064
52
2300
3525
Barnes
200 SP
FL
2710
3261
Factory load.
1.700"
1.815
8th Edition 75
Chapter 2
375 Winchester
Historical Notes Developed by Winchester, the 375 was
announced in 1978 as a new cartridge for their Model 94 Big Bore
lever-action carbine. The gun is a strengthened version of the
standard Model 94 action and can be distinguished by the beefed-
up rear quarter of the receiver as opposed to the flat sides of the
regular Model 94. The cartridge is based on a shortened (about
Vio-inch) 38-55 case, although 375 Winchester brass is heavier
and stronger than that of the 38-55. Two carbines were initially
available in this caliber, the Winchester Model 94 Big Bore and
the Ruger Number 3 single shot. It is a rimmed case and not well
suited to Mauser-type bolt actions. Two bullet weights are
offered: a 200-grain at 2200 fps muzzle velocity and a 250-grain
at 1900 fps, as advertised by Winchester.
General Comments The 375 Winchester fills a gap in the line
of cartridges available for the popular Winchester Model 1894
lever-action series. Many hunters who live in heavily-wooded
areas prefer large- or medium-caliber rifles firing heavy bullets
as the best combination for their particular hunting environment.
Such a combination was not available for the Winchester Model
1894. The 375 helps meet the competition offered by lever actions
chambered for the 35 Remington and the 444 Marlin. Compar¬
isons will be made between this 375 and the other popular woods
or brush cartridges such as the 35 Remington, 44 Magnum, 444
Marlin and the 45-70. Ballistically, the 444 Marlin with its 240-
grain bullet and 2400 fps muzzle velocity has the edge on all the
others in the group. However, all of these cartridges have one
common failing, and that is that they are used in lever-action
rifles with tubular magazines. This requires a flat-pointed bullet
so that under recoil, one cartridge won’t set off the one ahead of it.
These blunt bullets have very poor aerodynamic form and offer
high air resistance. No matter what the initial velocity, they all
slow down quite rapidly. The result is that at 200 yards or less
they all end up with about the same energy, which varies from
1000 foot pounds to 1100 foot pounds. All of these brush car¬
tridges, then, are at their best at ranges of 150 yards or less.
Certainly the 375 Winchester is a fine deer or black bear car¬
tridge and would probably also do well on heavier game such as
moose or brown bear. Within its range limitations, it would also
serve as a good meat-getter on thin-skinned African species. The
375 cartridge can be chambered in 38-55 rifles, but must never
be fired in any rifle except those specifically marked for it because
it develops much higher pressure than the older 38-55. To fire it
in any of the old blackpowder rifles would almost certainly result
in a wrecked gun and serious injury to the shooter. Winchester is
the only commercial manufacturer of this caliber.
375 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 SP
IMR 4198
33
2100
1962
Sierra
220 SP
IMR 4198
32
2000
1955
Hornady
220 SP
RL-7
38
2200
2365
Homady
235 SP
IMR 4198
32
2000
2088
Speer
235 SP
RL-7
35
1950
1985
Speer
255 SP
IMR 3031
36
1900
2045
Barnes
200 SP
FL
2200
2150
Winchester factory load.
250 SP
FL
1900
2005
Winchester factory load.
76 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
375 Holland & Holland
Magnum (375 H&H Magnum)
Historical Notes Originated by the British firm Holland & Hol¬
land in 1912, this is one of the original belted, rimless, magnum-
type cartridges. It has been used as the basis for numerous
wildcats and some of the Weatherby cartridges. H&H furnished it
in a magnum Mauser action and Griffin & Howe chambered
rifles for it beginning about 1926. The Western Cartridge Com¬
pany first offered it in 1925. At present, Federal, Remington and
Winchester load the 375. The first commercial rifle of American
make to chamber the round was the Model 70 Winchester in
1937; Weatherby rifles were at one time available in 375 H&H as
was the Remington Model 725 “Kodiak.” At present, several
American manufacturers list the 375 H&H as standard includ¬
ing Ruger, Winchester and Remington.
General Comments Long considered the best all-round African
caliber, the 375 H&H is overpowered for North American big
game. However, many Alaskan hunters and guides prefer it for
moose and grizzly bear. It isn’t a very flexible cartridge for the
American hunter unless he expects to hunt the heaviest species
and spend time in Africa or Asia. John Taylor, in his book African
Rifles and Cartridges , Georgetown, South Carolina, 1948, rates
the 375 as the best of the medium bores for African hunting. It is
his candidate for the most effective, “all-round” cartridge. This
cartridge was the basis for H&H’s latter 300 H&H Magnum and
is therefore the great-grandfather of almost all modem belted
magnum chamberings. It can certainly be said that it inspired the
entire genre.
375 Holland & Holland Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 SP
IMR 4064
80
3200
4549
Sierra
220 SP
SR4759
42
2300
2585
Homady
235 SP
IMR 4064
77
3000
4697
Speer
270 SP
RL-15
74
2700
4372
Homady
270 SP
IMR 4064
70
2600
4054
Homady
285 SP
IMR 4831
85
2700
4615
Speer
300 SP
IMR 4064
68
2500
4164
Homady
300 SP
IMR 4350
77
2600
4504
Sierra, Homady
350 SP
IMR 4320
65.5
2400
4478
Barnes
270 SP
FL
2690
4340
Factory load.
300 SP
FL
2530
4265
Factory load.
2.412"
2.500"
8th Edition 77
Chapter 2
378 Weatherby Magnum
Historical Notes Another development by the late Roy Weath¬
erby dating back to 1953, this is an original design not based on
any existing cartridge although it is hard to miss the similarity in
all critical dimensions to the 416 Rigby. It was first field-tested in
the spring of 1953 by Weatherby who downed an elephant with it,
using a single round for the job. The Federal Cartridge Co. 215
Magnum large rifle primer was originally developed for this car¬
tridge as existing primers did not properly ignite the large quan¬
tity of powder used. Only the Weatherby line of rifles is
commercially chambered for this round.
General Comments According to the Weatherby catalog, the
378 WM was designed for deep penetration on heavy, thick-
skinned game. It is also intended to furnish an extra margin of
insurance when facing dangerous game such as rhino, Cape buf¬
falo, elephant or Hon in thick cover. Field reports indicate that it
lives up to these expectations. However, for proper performance
at the velocities developed, it is necessary to use bullets with a
very heavy jacket. Although considerably overpowered for any
North American big game, it is nonetheless a fine cartridge for
the man who requires optimum stopping power. Recoil of these
cartridges is extremely heavy, so one should be sure such power is
really needed before selecting anything in this class.
378 Weatherby Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
235 SP
H-4831
115
3200
5345
Barnes
250 SP
H-4831
113
3050
5165
Barnes
270 SP
IMR 4350
108
3100
5763
Homady
300 SP
H-4831
112
2900
5604
Sierra, Nosier
350 SP
H-4831
102
2650
5459
Barnes
270 SP
FL
3180
6062
Weatherby factory load.
300 SP
FL
2925
5701
Weatherby factory load.
78 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
38-55 Winchester (38-55 Ballard)
Historical Notes Like the smaller 32-40, the 38-55 was origi¬
nally a Ballard-developed target cartridge. The present commer¬
cial version was introduced in 1884 as one of the calibers for the
Ballard Perfection No. 4, which was originally chambered for the
38-50 Everlasting. According to Satterlee in his Catalog of
Firearms , 2nd ed., Detroit, 1939, the Union Hill Nos. 8 and 9
were also chambered for the 38-55 Ballard in 1884. The external
dimensions of the 38-55 Everlasting and the 38-55 Winchester
& Ballard are nearly identical, but the heavier, thicker Ever¬
lasting version was a handloading proposition. The implication
in Saterlee’s book is that the original Everlasting case was intro¬
duced when Marlin Fire Arms Co. took over Ballard in 1881. The
38-55 Everlasting is nothing more than a Vio-inch longer case
than the 38-50 that Ballard introduced in 1876. The Marlin
Model 93 and Winchester 94 lever-action repeaters were avail¬
able in 38-55, as was the Remington-Lee bolt action, Colt new
Lightning slide action, Stevens, Remington and Winchester sin¬
gle shot rifles and also the Savage Model 99. No commercial
rifles were available after Winchester dropped the 38-55 from
the Model 94 list of calibers in 1940. However, the cartridge has
been reintroduced by Winchester in several versions of the Mod¬
el 94 in recent years. The 225 Winchester, 22 Savage High Pow¬
er, 25-35 Winchester, 32-40 Winchester, 30-30 Winchester, 32
Winchester Special, 375 Winchester and a host of wildcat car-
ridges are based on this case.
General Comments The 38-55 built up a reputation for fine
accuracy at ranges out to 200 yards. It also developed a modest
popularity with deer and black bear hunters. It gave good knock¬
down on deer-size animals with the 255-grain bullet at velocities
of over 1500 fps. At one time, factory-loaded cartridges were
available with the 255-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1700
fps. At these higher velocities, it is a better deer cartridge than
the 30-30. Present factory loading more or less duplicates the old
blackpowder ballistics. In old Ballard and Stevens single shot
rifles, it is not safe to use loads developing velocities over 1500
fps. Discontinued in 1970, the 38-55 is again fisted in Winchester
ammunition catalogs. Proper bullet diameter for cast bullets is
.379-inch.
38-55 Winchester & Ballard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 FN
XMP5744
25.5
1853
1525
Accurate Arms
220 SP
RL-7
31
1600
1257
Homady
220 SP
IMR 3031
33
1600
1251
Hornady
220 SP
IMR 3031
34.5
1700
1412
Homady
220 SP
IMR 4198
26
1600
1251
Homady
220 SP
RL-7
29.5
1400
958
Homady
240 Lead
XMP5744
22.0
1601
1365
Accurate
222 FN
XMP5744
23.5
1648
1325
Accurate
255 SP
H-4895
35
1700
1637
Barnes
255 SP
FL
1320
987
Winchester factory load.
8th Edition 79
Chapter 2
38-40 Winchester (38-40 WCF)
Historical Notes The 38-40 was developed by Winchester as a
companion cartridge to their 44-40 introduced in 1874. It is
based on the 44-40 case necked-down to what is actually 40-cal¬
iber (.401-inch). It was originally a blackpowder cartridge cham¬
bered in the Winchester Model 73 lever action. Shortly after it
came out, Colt began chambering revolvers for it. It was later
offered in the Remington Model 14V2 slide action, Winchester
92 and Marlin 94 lever actions, plus a number of single shot
rifles. No rifles have been chambered for the 38-40 since 1937.
Winchester loaded a slightly different version especially for the
Colt Lightning magazine rifle, headstamped 38 C.L.M.R.
Another version was loaded with the same 180-grain bullet as
the 38 Winchester, but with 40-grains of blackpowder instead
of Winchester’s standard load of 38 grains and was head-
stamped 38-40 instead of 38 W.C.F. This raises the intriguing
possibility that the name we now use, 38-40, came from 38
grains of blackpowder and a 40-caliber bore.
General Comments The 38-40 was at one time a popular medi¬
um-power cartridge. Winchester used to load a high-velocity rifle
version with a 180-grain bullet at 1775 fps. This was considered a
pretty good short-range deer number, but was not intended for
old blackpowder rifles or revolvers. It was discontinued because it
caused a lot of trouble for people who never read labels. The pre¬
sent factory loading is strictly for revolvers, and it is necessary to
handload in order to realize the full potential in a rifle. With prop¬
er load and bullets, the 38-40 can be used on small game,
varmints, medium-size game or even deer at short range. Rifle
loads should not be used in revolvers as they develop pressures
beyond safe limits.
The author’s experience with the 38-40 is limited to one Rem¬
ington Model I 4 V 2 R slide-action carbine that was used for sever¬
al years before being traded off for something more useful.
Although it was a nice, handy little rifle, I was not particularly
impressed with the cartridge. The 38-40 is a bit much for most
varmint and small game shooting and really not adequate for
deer-size animals. In any event, it is quite limited in its effective
range on whatever you happen to be using it for. This lack of
enthusiasm notwithstanding, the 38-40 enjoyed a certain popu¬
larity from its inception until about 1920, after which it declined
in sales volume and was finally discontinued in 1937. Actually,
there is no great difference in performance between the 38-40 and
the 44-40, although some considered the 38-40 a better cartridge
for a woman or young boy because it had less recoil. Honestly,
neither one has any great recoil, and I could never tell much dif¬
ference between the two in that regard.
The 38-40 made a better revolver cartridge than it did a rifle
cartridge. The present factory load with the 180-grain bullet at
1160 fps (Winchester) can not be considered adequate for deer,
and only by handloading can one achieve acceptable performance
for much of anything except self-defense.
38-40 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
155 SP
2400
15
1200
496
Homady
155 SP
IMR 4227
19.5
1200
496
Homady
180 HP
2400
14.5
1100
484
Homady
180 HP
Unique
9
1100
484
Homady
180 HP
IMR 4227
18.5
1100
484
Homady
200 HP
Unique
8.4
1000
444
Homady
200 HP
2400
13.5
1050
490
Homady
180 SP
FL
1160
538
Winchester factory load.
80 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
416 Remington Magnum
Historical Notes Officially announced in November, 1988, the
416 Remington Magnum is the first dangerous game cartridge
introduced since the 458 Winchester Magnum back in 1956. The
416 is based on the 8mm Remington Magnum necked-up to 416-
caliber. It was initially available with either a 400-grain pointed
softpoint or a 400-grain solid bullet loaded to a muzzle velocity of
2400 fps and a muzzle energy of 5115 fpe. The company says that
the 400-grain solid is exactly that, turned from solid brass and
not a lead core with a heavy jacket. The cartridge is available in
the Remington Model 700 Safari bolt-action rifle. Other rifle
manufacturers have picked up the 416 Remington. It is available
in a variety of bolt and single shot rifles including Ruger. It has
proved to be a fairly popular cartridge.
General Comments There has been a persistent call by those
who hunt dangerous game for a cartridge to fill the gap between
the 375 Holland & Holland Magnum and the 458 Winchester
Magnum. The 416 Rigby accomplished this rather well, but both
rifles and ammunition became increasingly difficult to obtain
until Federal began offering that caliber in the late 1980s. This
problem was then solved to some extent by a number of wildcat
cartridges such as the 416 Taylor, 416 Hoffman and the 425
Express. These cartridges all more or less duplicated the perfor¬
mance of the 416 Rigby. The 416 Remington does pretty much
the same thing. However, the Remington version has one great
advantage in that it is available as a commercial loading in a
proven commercial rifle. The combination will be much easier
and less expensive to come by than a custom rifle and wildcat or
proprietary cartridges.
Although the 416 bullet is 100 grains fighter than the 458 Win¬
chester, it starts out with almost 300 fps higher velocity. That,
combined with better sectional density and a superior aerody¬
namic shape, gives it certain ballistical advantages. It not only
has a higher initial velocity, but it also increases its retained
velocity over the 458 as the range increases. According to the fac¬
tory figures, it has an 11 percent advantage in muzzle energy,
and this increases to 18 percent at 100 yards and 30 percent at
200 yards.
The 416 Remington should be ideal for dangerous game includ¬
ing Cape buffalo, elephant, lion and North American brown bear.
It would also do well on moose and elk. The 416 Remington has a
trajectory very similar to the 375 H&H and is a better long-range
cartridge than the 458 Winchester for use against soft-skinned
game. For the man who has to travel fight, the 416 would be a
good one-gun cartridge choice for use in Africa. To date, only
Remington loads ammunition in this caliber.
416 Remington Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
300 SP
H-4895
78
2850
5412
Barnes
350 SP
H-4895
80
2700
5667
Barnes
400 SP
IMR 4064
78
2400
5117
Homady
400 SP
IMR 4895
76.5
2400
5117
Homady
300 SP
FL
2530
4262
Remington factory load.
350 SP
FL
2520
4935
Remington factory load.
400 SP
FL
2400
5115
Remington factory load.
8th Edition 81
Chapter 2
416 Rigby
Historical Notes Introduced by John Rigby of London, the 416
Rigby is a good example of a sound design that refuses to die.
Throughout its production history, less than 10,000 rifles in this
caliber have been made. Rigby continues to make perhaps two
dozen a year with other custom gun makers half that. However,
most of the older rifles in that caliber continue in service. Rigby
does a brisk business refurbishing rifles in this caliber. In 1992,
Ruger added this caliber to their rifle product line. At a single
stroke, they increased the total number of guns in this caliber by
10 percent in one year and continue to do so. In 1989 Federal Car¬
tridge Co. added the 416 Rigby to their Premium product line. In
so doing Federal became the first major American manufacturer
to offer this classic African caliber. By their actions, both Ruger
and Federal took much of the momentum from the new 416 Rem¬
ington Magnum cartridge. Their efforts in reintroducing the 416
Rigby have been succesful and sales remain brisk. This only goes
to show that not all new product success stories use totally new
products.
General Comments The 416 Rigby is a great favorite today of
African game wardens and professional hunters alike. It is an
excellent choice for the man who wishes to take only one rifle to
Africa. Federal ballistics are identical to previous British loads so
the point of impact with metal express sights will be the same.
Breech pressures of the 416 are only about 40,000 CUP in order
to avoid sticky extraction due to high pressures on very hot days.
This is strictly good sense based on many years of African experi¬
ence. Remington has chosen to load their 416 Remington Mag¬
num to pressure levels of50,000 CUP which makes one wonder if
extraction at very high temeratures has been adequately tested.
In any case, handloaders should resist the urge to improve the
416 Rigby ballistics for this reason. Bullets and brass for hand¬
loading are available from Huntington’s in Oroville, CA.
416 Rigby Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder (grs.)
MV
ME
Source
300 SP
RL-19
109
2950
5799
Barnes
325 SP
RL-19
106
2900
6071
Barnes
350 SP
H-4350
102
2750
5879
Barnes
400 SP
H-4350
98
2600
6006
Barnes
410 SP/FMJ
FL
2370
5115
Federal factory load.
.446"
82 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
r
416 Weatherby Magnum <#t
Historical Notes There has been a moderate, but persistent,
interest in 40-caliber dangerous game cartridges for a good many
years. The demand has been filled by several wildcat cartridges,
but the call for a factory 40-caliber has intensified over the past
decade. Remington was the first to exploit this potential market
with their 416 Remington Magnum in 1988, followed by the 416
Weatherby Magnum in 1989. In the game of cartridge one-
upmanship, the Weatherby version was bound to be somewhat
more powerful than an ordinary 416.
General Comments The 416 Weatherby Magnum has over 300
fps higher initial velocity than the Remington Magnum with the
same bullet weight. How useful this will be in the field is difficult
to assess, because both cartridges are adequate for the intended
purpose, which is to dispatch large and/or dangerous game with a
minimum of fuss. On the other hand, Weatherby rifles carry a
certain prestige and there is nothing wrong with having a little
extra power when the moment of truth arrives. The choice
between the two will probably be a matter of personal preference.
416 Weatherby Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
300 SP
IMR 4831
115
3000
5997
Barnes
350 SP
IMR 4831
110
2800
6095
Barnes
400 SP
IMR 4831
110.5
2700
6477
Homady
400 SP
H-450
119
2700
6477
Homady
400 SP
IMR 7828
117
2600
6006
Homady
400 SP
FL
2700
6474
Weatherby factory load.
8th Edition 83
Chapter 2
44-40 Winchester (44 WCF)
Historical Notes This was the original cartridge for the famous
Winchester Model 1873 lever-action repeating rifle. Shortly after
its introduction, Colt was offering revolvers in 44-40-caliber. At
one time or another, just about every American arms manufac¬
turer has offered some kind of gun chambered for this cartridge.
The Colt-Burgess lever-action rifle of 1883 was made for the 44-
40 and so was the 1885 Colt Lightning slide-action rifle. The
Remington Model 14V2 slide action used it, as did the Winchester
92 and Marlin 94, both lever-action repeaters. Most of the single
shot rifles made in the United States had a 44-40 model at one
time or another. In Spain, they manufactured a copy of the Win¬
chester Model 92 in 44-40 caliber for police and civil guard use.
No American-made rifles have chambered the round since 1937,
but Colt revolvers retained it until 1942. Several foreign-made
replicas of the Henry Carbine and the Winchester Model 66 and
73 are currently available in 44-40-caliber.
Winchester once loaded a 217-grain bullet in two separate
headstamps: 44 C.L.M.R., for the Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle,
and 44-40 for Marlin rifles. They also offered a 34-grain black-
powder load behind a 115-grain bullet for the Marble Game Get¬
ter rifle headstamped 44 G.G.
General Comments The 44-40 is one of the all-time great
American cartridges. It is said that it has killed more game, large
and small, and more people, good and bad, than any other com¬
mercial cartridge ever developed. In its original blackpowder
loading, it was the first effective combination cartridge that could
be used interchangeably in rifle or revolver, and was a great
favorite in the early days of the American West.
With proper handloads used in strong rifles the 44-40 can
safely propel the 200-grain jacketed bullet at 1800 fps. Com¬
pared to the standard 30-30 load with a 170-grain bullet at about
2100 fps, this is a superior combination against deer at short
range. It was once offered in a high velocity loading specifically
designed to take advantage of the Model 92 Winchester’s
strength. Like many other high-velocity loadings of yesteryear, it
had to be discontinued because certain types just insisted on
chambering anything that would fit in whatever gun was at
hand. The 44-40 was made obsolete in the revolver by the 357
and 44 Magnums, and in the rifle by the 30-30 and similar car¬
tridges that have a flatter trajectory at ranges beyond 100 yards.
Present factory loads by Remington and Winchester are intend¬
ed for revolvers and it is necessary to handload in order to get
top performance from the rifle. Many 44-40 rifles have been
rebarreled to the 44 Magnum.
44-40 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
180 SP
2400
18
180 SP
SR4756
11
180 SP
2400
16.5
180 SP
Unique
10.4
200 SP
IMR 4227
20
200 SP
2400
15.3
200 SP
Unique
9.5
200 SP
FL
MV
ME
Source
1250
625
Homady
1150
529
Homady
1000
400
Homady
1150
529
Homady
1100
537
Homady
1000
444
Homady
1050
490
Homady
1190
629
Factory load.
84 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
444 Marlin
Historical Notes News and data on the 444 Marlin round was
released to the public in June, 1964. The cartridge was designed
for the Marlin Model 336 lever-action rifle. Initially, the rifle was
manufactured with a 24-inch Micro-Groove barrel, two-thirds
length magazine and recoil pad. The straight-grip stock had a
Monte Carlo cheekpiece. Original ammunition was made by
Remington.
The 444 Marlin is amazingly similar to the 44 Van Houten
Super. The 44 VH was developed by E.B. Van Houten and
“Lucky” Wade of Phoenix, Arizona. It was made by necking-up
30-40 Krag brass, trimming it to 2 inches and turning down the
rim slightly. It was designed for the 336 Marlin or 94 Winchester
actions. It predates the Marlin round by at least 3 years. Ballis¬
tics of the two rounds are nearly identical.
General Comments The 44 Magnum revolver cartridge
achieved popularity as a rifle round. Although it makes a good
brush buster, anyone using it discovers quite quickly that it has a
high trajectory, and its killing power on heavier game such as elk
or moose is adequate only at close range. Consequently, there was
need for a somewhat more powerful version. The 444 Marlin will
extend both the effective range and killing power inherent in the
44 Magnum. The new round fires the same 240-grain softpoint
bullet, at 2330 fps as compared to 1850 for the average 44 Mag¬
num rifle. The 444 Marlin is substantially more powerful than
the old 30-30 or the 35 Remington at short ranges. It develops
about the same energy as the 348 Winchester and slightly more
than the later 358 Winchester. However, with its larger diameter
bullet it should provide better knockdown power. It is a short- to
medium-range cartridge and should be adequate for any North
American big game. It would also be effective on most thin-
skinned African game, except dangerous varieties. Its advantage
over the above-named cartridges is all at ranges out to 150 yards.
Beyond that, due to better bullet shape and sectional density,
they all catch up to and finally surpass the 444 in retained veloc¬
ity and energy. The 444 Marlin was formerly available in what
had to be a superior all around hunting load with a 265-grain bul¬
let. Remington is the only manufacturer of this caliber.
444 Marlin Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
180 HP
IMR 4198
51
2500
2499
Sierra
220 SP
IMR 4198
49
2350
2698
Sierra
240 HP
IMR 4198
46.5
2300
2820
Homady, Sierra
240 HP
H-322
53
2300
2820
Homady, Sierra
250 SP
IMR 4198
47
2250
2811
Sierra
265 SP
H-4198
47
2200
2849
Homady
275 SP
RL-7
47
2250
3092
Barnes
300 SP
RL-7
46
2150
3080
Barnes
240 SP
FL
2330
2942
Remington factory load.
8th Edition 85
Chapter 2
45-70 Government (45 Government/
45-70-330/45-70-350/45-70-405/
45-70-500)
Historical Notes Adopted by the U.S. militaiy in 1873 with the
single shot “Trapdoor’’ Springfield rifle, it continued as the offi¬
cial service cartridge for 19 years. It was then replaced in 1892 by
the 30-40 Krag. It was also a popular cartridge for sporting use
and many repeating and single shot rifles were chambered for
it—the Remington rolling block, Remington-Keene, Remington-
Lee, Marlin Model 81, Winchester Model 86 and Hotchkiss, plus
many others. Though the Krag officially replaced the 45-70 in
1892, all volunteer Spanish-American War regiments—with the
reported sole exception being TR’s Rough Riders—were equipped
with the Trapdoor 45-70. Many state militias were armed with
the 45-70 Springfields well beyond 1900. American companies
dropped the 45-70 as a rifle caliber in the early 1930s. However, it
has staged a major comeback in popularity, and currently Marlin,
Ruger and Browning chamber rifles for the 45-70. Winchester
once loaded many versions of the basic 45-70 case with different
bullet weights and shapes and with different blackpowder
charges. They also loaded one variant of the 45-70-405 Winches¬
ter load expressly for the Marlin 1881 lever-action rifle. It fea¬
tured a differently shaped 405-grain bullet and was headstamped
45-70 Mar.
General Comments “Old soldiers never die,” and apparently
neither do old military cartridges. The 45-70 has been with us for
over 120 years and is still very much alive. As a short-range
woods or brush cartridge for anything from deer to grizzly bear,
the 45-70 will hold its own with most of our more modem devel¬
opments. Its greatest fault is the curved trajectory that makes it
difficult to place shots beyond 150 yards with any certainty.
Unfortunately, the U.S. Springfield and most of the other black-
powder rifles won’t stand pressures over 25,000 psi or so. This
prevents the use of heavy loads of smokeless powder. In late Mod¬
el 86 Winchester or other smokeless powder rifles, the 45-70 can
be loaded to deliver very impressive knockdown on our heaviest
species of big game. Winchester, Remington and Federal offer
ammunition in this caliber.
45-70 U.S. Government Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
300 HP
IMR 4198
34
1400
1306
Homady, Sierra
300 HP
IMR 4227
29
1400
1306
Homady, Sierra
300 HP
IMR 3031
43
1400
1306
Homady
300 HP
SR 4759
27
1400
1306
Homady
Loads for Modem Smokeless
Powder Rifles Only
300 HP
IMR 4198
46
2000
2665
Homady
300 HP
IMR 4227
43
2100
2938
Sierra
350 SP
IMR 3031
54
1800
2519
Homady
400 SP
H-322
56
1900
3207
Speer
400 SP
IMR 3031
54
1800
2878
Speer
300 SP
FL
1880
2355
Factory load.
405 SP
FL
1330
1590
Factory load.
86 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
458 Winchester Magnum
Historical Notes The 458 Winchester Magnum was introduced
in 1956 for a dressed-up version of the Model 70 rifle called the
“African.” The Remington 700 Safari is available in 458 and so
are many other American- and European-made rifles such as the
A-Square, Dakota 76, BRNO and the Ruger 77. The 458 has
become a world standard and many factories and individual mak¬
ers provide hunting arms for it. Ruger also chambers the 458 in
their No. 1 single shot rifle.
General Comments With the increasing number of American
sportsmen making the trek to Africa, and with the Weatherby
Magnum line of cartridges selling rather well, Winchester decid¬
ed to get into the act. The result is the fine 458, a caliber suitable
for any of the most dangerous game in the world. This cartridge
has been tested thoroughly in Africa and has proven itself ade¬
quate for the toughest game found there. It is as powerful as most
of the oversized English big-bore elephant cartridges. Although
overpowered for North American big game, it has nonetheless
found favor with many hunters as a woods and brush cartridge
when reloaded with lighter than standard factory bullets. With
the 300-, 350- or 405-grain bullets, it can be loaded to duplicate
the 45-70 at any level, and to cover a wide range of game and
hunting conditions. As a factory load, it is not good for anything
but the biggest and toughest. But then that is what it was intend¬
ed for. Federal, Winchester and Remington offer ammunition in
this caliber.
458 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
300 SP
RL-7
58
2100
2938
Homady
300 SP
IMR 4198
49
2100
2938
Homady, Sierra
350 SP
IMR 4198
70.5
2500
4859
Homady
400 SP
IMR 4198
64
2250
4498
Speer
400 SP
IMR 4320
77
2200
4300
Speer
500 SP
IMR 4320
81
2350
6133
Barnes
500 SP
IMR 3031
70
2100
4897
Homady
350 SP
FL
2470
4740
Factory load.
500 FMJ
FL
2040
4620
Factory load.
510 SP
FL
2040
4712
Factory load.
8th Edition 87
Chapter 2
460 Weatherby Magnum
Historical Notes This big, potent caliber was brought out in
1958 for the avowed purpose of providing the world’s most pow¬
erful commercial rifle cartridge. It was developed by necking the
378 Weatherby case up to 45-caliber. Rifles and ammunition are
available only through Weatherby, Inc. on a commercial basis,
but custom-made rifles based on Mauser-type bolt actions are
occasionally chambered for this round.
General Comments Until the advent of the 700 Nitro Express,
which is just barely in the ranks of commercial cartridges, the
460 Weatherby Magnum was among the most powerful available.
Recent factory ballistics have been toned down a bit but it still
delivers better than 7500 foot pounds of muzzle energy, which far
exceeds most dangerous game loads. The big 460 is overly power¬
ful for any North American big game, but it does provide that
ultimate bit of insurance against the dangerous African or Asiat¬
ic varieties under adverse conditions. It would, of course, be
preferable to be caught slightly over-gunned than to be eaten by a
lion or trampled by an elephant. In any event, for the man who
insists on the biggest and the most of everything, the 460 Weath¬
erby is the most powerful. Two wildcat cartridges, the 450 and
475 Ackley are in the same class as the 460 WM insofar as ener¬
gy is concerned. The 475 A&M Magnum reportedly develops a
muzzle energy of some 10,000 foot pounds. However, none of
these are commercial cartridges.
460 Weatherby Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
300 SP
IMR 4320
112
3000
5997
Barnes
350 SP
IMR 4064
111
2900
6538
Homady
500 SP
IMR 4350
123.5
2650
7799
Homady
500 SP
IMR 4320
108
2550
7221
Homady
500 SP
IMR 3031
99
2500
6941
Homady
500 SP
H-4831
125
2650
7799
Barnes
500 SP/FMJ
FL
2600
7507
Weatherby factory load.
2.908-
88 Cartridges of the World
470 Nitro Express
(470 NE)
Current American Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes Since its introduction in 1907, the 470 Nitro
Express has proven to be one of the most popular and long lived
of the British Nitro Express cartridges. Guns in this caliber are
not excessively heavy and recoil, while heavy, is acceptable.
This makes a good combination for the hunter who wants to use
one caliber for all African game without fear of being under¬
gunned. For this reason, most guns in this caliber are the tried
and true double rifles. H&H, Purdey, J. Rigby & Co., Westley
Richards, Powell and a few others still make double rifles in
England. Production of such rifles is also abundant in Europe
with Beretta of Italy, Francotte of Belgium, and Heym of Ger¬
many offering models priced from $10,000 on up. The 5130 fpe
of muzzle energy generated by the 500-grain steel jacketed sol¬
id bullet is the stuff from which myths are made in the hot stove
league.
General Comments In 1989 Federal Cartridge Co. added this
caliber to their Premium product line making it the first British
Nitro Express caliber offered by a major American manufacturer.
Ammunition in this caliber is again being made in the U.K. by
Kynoch. Ballistics are identical to previous British loads so the
point of impact with metal sights will remain the same. The 470
is generally too powerful for most North American game but
works well on medium-to-large game worldwide. Many 470
shooters reload the cartridge because of the high cost of factory
ammo. For those who do or wish to, components are available
from Huntington’s in Oroville, CA.
470 Nitro Express Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
500 SP/FMJ FL 2150 5130 Federal factory load.
Custom Ruger No. 1
8th Edition 89
Chapter 2
50 Browning
Machine Gun
(50 BMG)
Historical Notes The 50 BMG was invented by its namesake
and adopted into United States Military service in 1918 for John
M. Browning’s famous heavy machinegun. Browning’s attentions
in this area were prompted by a battlefield need recognized dur¬
ing WWL There have been other developments and at least once
the Pentagon was considering dropping the 50 BMG in favor of
more modem and generally bigger chamberings. However, the 50
BMG has remained. The advent of saboted loads, generating
4500 fps muzzle velocities with devastating armor-penetration
capabilities, and its performance in the recent Gulf War has
seemed to cement its continued existence as a stable part of
NATO’s arsenal. Battlefield use is against lightly armored vehi¬
cles to ranges of a mile or more, and used against the unprotect¬
ed, it is effective to several times that range.
General Comments There has long been interest in the 50
BMG as a quasi-sporting round. Today, the only significant sport¬
ing use for this chambering is long-range accuracy shooting with
some competitions exceeding one mile. The 1000-yard 50-caliber
record, as of this writing, is a five shot group of just over 3 inches
on centers. Several bolt-action rifles are currently or have recent¬
ly been, available for the big fifty. The 50 BMG easily launches
the 750-grain bullets available for it at 2700 fps. The fighter 647-
grain bullets available can be launched at 3000 fps. For obvious
reasons sporting rifles chambered for the big fifty uniformly fea¬
ture muzzlebrakes and weigh twenty pounds or more. Regard¬
less, recoil is still a bit harsh.
The only commercial ammunition that has ever been available
for the 50 BMG is from PMC. Components and specialized tools
and equipment to handload this cartridge are available to the
advanced reloader.
50 Browning Machine Gun Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
750
H870 225.0
2769
12,775
Barnes
800
AA8700 215.0
2675
12,720
Barnes
660
FL
3080
13,910
PMC Factory Load
90 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
CURRENT AMERICAN RIFLE CARTRIDGES
Centerfire Sporting
Dimensional Data
(SAAMI Maximum Cartridge Data)
Case
Bullet
Neck
Shoulder
Base
Rim
Case
Ctge.
Cartridge
type
dia.
dia.
dia.
dia.
dia.
length
length
Twist
Primer
17 Remington
c
.172
.198
.355
.374
.377
1.79
1.86
9
S
22 Hornet
A
.223
.242
.274
.294
.345
1.40
1.72
16
S
218 Bee
A
.224
.241
.331
.349
.408
1.35
1.68
16
S
222 Remington
C
.224
.253
.355
.375
.375
1.70
2.15
14
S
223 Remington
C
.224
.249
.349
.373
.375
1.76
2.10
12
S
222 Remington Mag.
C
.224
.253
.355
.375
.375
1.85
2.21
14
S
22PPC
C
.224
.245
.430
.440
.441
1.52
1.96
1-14
S
225 Winchester
A
.224
.260
.406
.422
.473
1.93
2.50
14
L
224 Weatherby Mag.
E
.224
.247
.405
.413
.425
1.92
2.44
14
L
22-250 Remington
C
.224
.254
.412
.466
.470
1.91
2.33
14
L
220 Swift
G
.224
.260
.402
.443
.472
2.20
2.68
14
L
6mm PPC
C
.243
.260
.430
.441
.442
1.50
2.12
1-12
S
6mm Bench Rest Remington
C
.243
.263
.457
.466
.468
1.52
2.19
12
S
243 Winchester
C
.243
.276
.454
.470
.470
2.05
2.71
10
L
6mm Remington/244 Rem.
C
.243
.276
.429
.470
.472
2.23
2.91/2.825
9/12
L
240 Weatherby
E
.243
.271
.432
.453
.473
2.50
3.06
10
L
25-20 Winchester
A
.257
.274
.329
.349
.405
1.33
1.60
13-14
S
25-35 Winchester
A
.257
.280
.355
.420
.5000506) 2.04
2.53
8
L
250 Savage
C
.257
.286
.413
.468
.470
1.91
2.52(2.515)
14
L
257 Roberts (+P)
C
.257
.290
.430
.468
.473
2.23
2.74
10-12
L
25-06 Remington
C
.257
.287
.441
.470
.471
2.49
3.00
10-12
L
257 Weatherby Mag.
E
.257
.285
.490
.511
.530
2.55
3.25
12
L
6.5x55 Swedish
C
.264
.297
.435
.480(477)
480(479) 2.16
3.15
7.9
L
264 (6.5mm) Win. Mag.
E
.264
.289
.490
.515(.5127)
.532
2.52
3.29
9
L
270 Winchester
C
.277
.307
.440
468
.470
2.54
3~28
10
L
270 Weatherby Mag.
E
.277
.305
.490
.511
.530
2.55
3.25
12
L
7-30 Waters
A
.284
.306
.399
422(4215)
.506
2.04
2.52
9V 2
L
7mm Mauser
C
.284
.320
.420(.4294)
.470
.474
2.24(2.235)
3.06
8-10
L
7mm-08 Remington
C
.284
.315
.454
.470
.473
2.04(2.035)
2.80
9
L
7x64 Brenneke
C
.284
.313
.422
.463
.468
2.51
3.21
—
L
284 Winchester
1
.284
.320
.465(.4748)
495(.500)
.470
2.17
2.75
10
L
280 Remington (7mm R. Ex.)
c
.284
.315
.441
.470
.472
2.54
3.33
10V 2
L
7mm Remington Mag.
E
.284
.315
.490
.511
.525
2.50
3.24
91/2
L
7mm Weatherby Mag.
E
.284
.312
.490
.511
.530
2.55
3.25
12
L
30 Remington
C
.307
.328
.402
.420
.421
2.03
2.525
12
L
30 Carbine
D
.308
.335
—
.355
.360
1.29
1.65
16
S
30-30 Winchester
A
.308
.328
.402
422(4215)
.502
2.03(2.039)
2.53
12
L
300 Savage
C
.308
.339
.443(.4466)
.470
.470
1.87
2.62
12
L
30-40 Krag
A
.308
.338
.415(.419)
457(4577)
.540
2.31
3.10(3.089)
10
L
307 Winchester
G
.308
.344
.454
.470
.506
2.02(2.015)
2.60(2.56)
12
L
308 Winchester
C
.308
.344
.454
.470
.470
2.01(2.015)
2.75
12
L
30-06 Springfield
C
.308
.340
.441
.470
.473
2.49
3.34
10
L
300 H&H Mag.
E
.308
.338
.447
.513
.530
2.85
3.60
10
L
300 Winchester Mag.
E
.308
.334
.4891
.5126
.530
2.60(2.62)
3.30
10
L
300 Weatherby Mag.
E
.308
.337
.495
.51305117)
.530
2.82(2.825)
3.56
12
L
303 Savage
A
.308(.311)
.334(.3322)
.408(4135)
.439
.501
2.00(2.015)
2.52
12
L
7.62x39mm
C
.311
.340(.337)
.344(.396)
438(433)
.440
1.52(1.528)
2.20
9.4
S
303 British
A
.311
.338
.401
.458
.530
2.21(2.222)
3.05(3.075)
10
L
32-20 Winchester
A
.312
.326
.338(.3424)
.353
.405
1.32(1.315)
1 59
20
S
32 Winchester Special
A
.321
.343
.396(4014)
422(4219)
.506
2.04
2.55(2.565)
16
L
8mm Mauser
C
.323
.353(.3493)
.431
.469
.473
2.24
3.17(3.25)
9-10
L
8mm Remington Mag.
E
.323
.351 (.3541)
485(4868)
.509(.5126)
.530
2.85
3.57(3.600)
10
L
338 Winchester Mag.
E
.338
.369
480(491)
.51505127)
.530
2.49(2.50)
3.30(3.34)
10
L
340 Weatherby Mag.
E
.338
.366
.495
.513
.530
2.82
3.60
12
L
348 Winchester
A
.348
.379(.3757)
.485
.553
.610
2.26(2.255)
2.80(2.795)
12
L
8th Edition 91
Chapter 2
CURRENT AMERICAN RIFLE CARTRIDGES
Centerfire Sporting (Continued)
Dimensional Data
Cartridge
Case
type
Bullet
dia.
Neck
dia.
Shoulder
dia.
Base
dia.
Rim
dia.
Case
length
Ctge.
length
Twist
Primer
35 Remington
c
.358
.384
.419(4259)
458(4574)
460
1.92
2.52
16
L
356 Winchester
G
.358
.388
.454
.4703
.508
2.02(2.015)
2.56
12
L
358 Winchester
C
.358
.388
.454
.4703
.473
2.01(2.015)
2.78
12
L
35 Whelen
C
.358
.388
.441
.470
.473
2.50(2.494)
3.34
12-14
L
350 Remington Mag.
E
.358
.388
.495
.5126
.532
2.17
2.80
16
L
375 Winchester
B
.375
.400
—
415(4198)
.502
2.02
2.56
12
L
375 H&H Mag.
E
.375
.402
.440(4478)
.521
.530
2.85
3.60
12
L
378 Weatherby Mag.
E
.375
.403
.560
.584
.580
2.92
3.69
12
L
38-55 Win. & Ballard
B
.379
.392
.3938
.422
.506
2.12(2.085)
2.51
18
L
38-40 Winchester
A
.401
.416
438(4543)
.465
.520
1.30
1.59
36
L*
416 Rem. Mag.
E
.416
.447
.487
.509
.530
2.85
3.60
14
L
416 Rigby
C
.416
.445(.4461)
.539(.5402)
.589
.586
2.90
3.75
16.5
L
416 Weatherby
E
.416
.444
.561
.584
.580
2.915
3.75
14
L
44-40 Winchester
A
.4277429
.443
.4568
.471
.525
1.31
1.92
20-36
L*
444 Marlin
B
.429
.453
.4549
.469
.514
2.16(2.225)
2.57
38
L
45-70 Government
B
.458
.475(.480)
.4813
.500
.600(.608) 2.105
2.55
18-22
L
458 Winchester Mag.
F
.458
.478(.4811)
.4825
.513
.532
2.50
3.34
14-16
L
460 Weatherby Mag.
E
.458
.485
.560
.584
.580
2.91
3.75
14
L
470 Nitro Express
A
.475
.504
.528(.5322)
.5728
.655
3.25
3.98
20
L
50 BMG
C
.510/.511
.560
.714
.804
.804
3.91
5.545
16
**
A—Rim, bottleneck B—Rim, straight C—Rimless, bottleneck D—Rimless, straight
E—Belted, bottleneck F—Belted, straight G—Semi-rimmed, bottleneck
H—Semi-rimmed, straight I—Rebated, bottleneck
Primer: S—Small rifle (1.75") L—Large rifle (.210") *—Pistol **—Vihtavouri 110/CCI-35
Twist (factory) is given as inches per complete revolution, e.g., 12=1 turn in 12", etc.
Unless otherwise noted, all dimensions are in inches.
Data in parenthesis is SAAMI maximum
92 Cartridges of the World
Current American Rifle Cartridges
1961 Ballistics
WINCHESTER C.F. RIFLE CARTRIDGES'—BALLISTICS AND PRICES
CARTRIDGE
„ -BULLET VELOCITY—FT. PE? SEC ENERGY—FT. LBS. MID-RANGE TRAJECTORY PRICE
Wt. Grs. Type Muzzle 100 yd* *. 200 yd*. 300 yd*. Muzzle 100 yd*. 200 yd*. 300 yd*. 100 yd*. 200 yd*. 300 yd*. For 20
218 Boo Supor Spood*.
46
H.P.
2860
2160
1610
1200
835
475
265
145
0.7
3.8
11.5
$6.90
219 Zipper Super Speed.
56
H.P.
3110
2440
1940
1550
1200
740
465
300
0.6
2.9
8.3
3A0
22 Hornet Supor Spood*.
45
S.P.
2690
2030
1510
1150
720
410
230
130
0.8
4.3
13.0
6.70
22 Hornet Super Speed*.
46
H.P.
2690
2030
1510
1150
740
420
235
135
0.8
4.3
13.0
6.70
220 Swift Super Spood.
46
P.S.P.
4110
3490
2930
2440
1800
1300
915
635
0.3
1.4
3.8
345
222 Remington.
50
S.P.
3200
2660
2170
1750
1140
785
520
340
0.5
2.5
7.0
3.11
243 Winche*ter Supor Speed.
80
S.P.
3500
3080
2720
2410
2180
1690
1320
1030
0.4
1.8
4 J
440
243 Winchester Supor Spood.
100
S.P
3070
2790
2540
2320
2090
1730
1430
1190
0.5
2.2
5.5
4.30
25-20 Winchester High Velocity Supor Spood*..
60
H.P.
2250
1660
1240
1030
675
365
205
140
1.2
6.3
21.0
6.20
25-20 Winchester!*.
86
Lead
1460
1 180
1030
940
405
265
200
170
2.6
12.5
32.0
25-20 Winchester*.
86
S.P.
1460
1180
1030
940
405
265
200
170
2.6
12.5
32.0
5.90
25-35 Winchester Supor Spood.
117
S.P.
2300
1910
1600
1340
1370
945
665
465
1.0
4.6
12.5
3.70
250 Savage Supor Spood.
87
P.S.P.
3030
2660
2330
2060
1770
1370
1050
820
0.6
2.5
6.4
4.00
250 Savage Supor Speed.
100
S.T.Exp.
2820
2460
2140
1870
1760
1340
1020
775
0.6
2.9
7.4
4.00
257 Roberts Super Speed.
87
S.P.
3200
2840
2500
2190
1980
1560
1210
925
0.5
2.2
5.7
4.45
257 Roberts Super Speed.
100
S.T.Exp.
2900
2540
2210
1920
1870
1430
1080
820
0.6
2.7
7.0
4.45
257 Robert* Supor-X.
117
S.P.
2650
2280
1950
1690
1820
1350
985
740
0.7
3.4
8.8
4.49
264 Winchester Magnum.
100
S.P.
3700
3260
2880
2550
3040
2360
1840
1440
0.4
1.6
4.2
5.85
264 Winchester Magnum.
140
Power Pt.
3200
2940
2700
2480
3180
2690
2270
1910
0.5
2.1
4.9
5.15
270 Winchester Supor Spood.
100
S.P.
3480
3070
2690
2340
2690
2090
1600
1215
0.4
1.8
4.8
4.75
270 Winchester Supor Speed.
130
SJ.Exp.
3140
2850
2580
2320
2840
2340
1920
1550
0.5
2.1
5.3
475
270 Winchester Super Speed. . .
150
S.P.
2800
2400
2040
1750
2610
1920
1380
1020
0.7
3.0
7.8
4.75
7x57 m/m Mauser Supor Speed.
175
S.P.
2490
2170
1900
1680
2410
1830
1400
1100
0.8
3.7
9.5
4.75
30-30 Winchester Super Speed.
150
H.P.
2410
2020
1700
1430
1930
1360
960
680
0.9
4.2
11.0
3.75
30-30 Winchester Super Speed.
150
SJ.Exp.
2410
2020
1700
1430
1930
1360
960
680
0.9
4.2
11.0
375
30-30 Winchester Supor Spood.
170
S.P.
2220
1890
1630
1410
1860
1350
1000
750
1.2
4.6
12.5
3.75
30-30 Winchester Super Speed.
170
SJ.Exp.
2220
1890
1630
1410
1860
1350
1000
750
1.2
4.6
12.5
375
30-30 Winchester Super Speed.
170
P.P.
2220
1890
1630
1410
1860
1350
1000
750
1.2
4.6
125
3.75
30 Remington Supor Speed.
170
S.T.Exp.
2120
1820
1560
1350
1590
1280
870
645
1.1
5.3
14.0
3.75
308 Winchester Super Spood.
110
S.P.
3340
2810
2340
1920
2730
1930
1340
900
0.5
2.2
6.0
475
308 Winchester Supor Speed.
150
S.P.
2860
2570
2300
2050
2730
2200
1760
1400
0.6
2.6
6.5
479
308 Winchester Super Speed.
150
SJ.Exp.
2860
2570
2300
2050
2730
2200
1760
1400
0.6
2.6
6.5
4.75
308 Winchester Super Speed.
180
S.P.
2610
2390
2170
1970
2720
2280
1870
1540
0.8
3.1
7.4
475
308 Winchester Supor Speed.
180
SJ.Exp.
2610
2390
2170
1970
2720
2280
1870
1540
0.8
3.1
7.4
475
308 Winchester Supor Speed.
200
SJ.Exp.
2450
2210
1980
1770
2670
2170
1750
1400
0.8
3.6
9.0
4.75
30-40 Krag Supor Spood.
180
S.P.
2470
2120
1830
1590
2440
1790
1340
1010
0.8
3.8
9.9
475
30-40 Krag Supor Spood.
180
SJ.Exp.
2470
2250
2040
1850
2440
2020
1660
1370
0.8
3.5
8.5
475
30-40 Krag Supor Spood.
220
SJ.Exp.
2200
1990
1800
1630
2360
1930
1580
1300
1.0
4.4
11.0
475
30-06 Springfield Super Speed.
110
S.P.
3310
2830
2400
2010
2680
1960
1400
985
0.5
2.2
5.9
471
30-06 Springfield Super Speed.
150
S.P.
2970
2620
2300
2010
2930
2280
1760
1340
0.6
2.5
6.5
475
30-06 Springfield Supor Speed.
150
SJ.Exp.
2970
2670
2400
2130
2930
2370
1920
1510
0.6
2.4
6.1
475
30-06 Springfield Supor Speed.
180
S.P.
2700
2330
2010
1740
2910
2170
1610
1210
0.7
3.1
8.3
4.75
30-06 Springfield Super Speed.
180
SJ.Exp.
2700
2470
2250
2040
2910
2440
2020
1660
0.7
2.9
7.0
475
30-06 Springfield Wimbledon Cup.
180
F.P.B.T.
2700
2520
2350
2190
2910
2540
2200
1900
0.6
2.8
6.7
6.05
30-06 Springfield Supor-X.
180
M.C.B.T.
2700
2520
2350
2190
2910
2540
2200
1900
0.6
2.8
6.7
6.05
30-06 Springfield Supor Speed.
220
S.P.
2410
2120
1870
1670
2830
2190
1/10
1360
0.8
3.9
9.8
4.71
30-06 Springfield Super-Speed.
220
SJ.Exp.
2410
2180
1980
1790
2830
2320
1910
1560
0.8
3.7
9.2
4.75
300 Savage Supor Speed.
150
S.P.
2670
2350
2060
1800
2370
1840
1410
1080
0.7
3.2
8.0
440
300 Savage Super Speed.
150
SJ.Exp.
2670
2390
2130
1890
2370
1900
1510
1190
0.7
3.0
7.6
4.60
300 Savage Super Speed.
180
S.P.
2370
2040
1760
1520
2240
1660
1240
920
0.9
4.1
10.5
440
300 Savage Super Speed.
180
S.T.Exp.
2370
2160
1960
1770
2240
I860
1530
1250
0.9
3.7
9.2
440
300 H. & H. Magnum Super Speed.
150
SJ.Exp.
3190
2870
2580
2300
3390
2740
2220
1760
0.5
2.1
5.2
6.00
300 H. & H. Magnum Supor Speed.
180
SJ.Exp.
2920
2670
2440
2220
3400
2850
2380
1970
0.6
2.4
5.8
6.00
300 H. & H. Magnum Match.
180
F.P.B.T.
2920
2740
2550
2380
3400
3000
2600
2260
0.6
2.4
5.7
7.10
300 H. & H. Magnum Super Speed.
220
S.T.Exp.
2620
2370
2150
1940
3350
2740
2260
1840
0.7
3.1
7.7
4.00
303 Savage Super Speed.
190
SJ.Exp.
1980
1680
1440
1250
1650
1190
875
660
1.3
6.2
15.5
4.05
303 British Supor Speed.
215
S.P.
2180
1900
1660
1460
2270
1720
1310
1020
1.1
4.9
12.5
4.75
32-20 Winchester High Velocity Supor Speed*. .
80
H.P.
2100
1430
1090
950
780
365
210
160
1.5
8.5
24.5
7.10
32-20 Winchester (Otlproof)t*.
100
Lead
1290
1060
940
840
370
250
195
155
3.3
15.5
38.0
5.35
32-20 Winchester (Oilproof)*.
100
S.P.
1290
1060
940
840
370
250
195
155
3.3
15.5
38.0
4.40
32 Winchester Special Super Speed.
170
S.P.
2280
1870
1560
1330
1960
1320
920
665
1.0
4.8
13.0
3.15
32 Winchester Special Super Speed.
170
SJ.Exp.
2280
1870
1560
1330
1960
1320
920
665
1.0
4.8
13.0
3.19
32 Remington Supor Spood.
170
SJ.Exp.
2220
1840
1530
1280
I860
1280
885
620
1.1
5.0
13.5
3.19
32-40 Winchester .
165
S.P.
1440
1250
1100
1030
760
570
445
390
2.4
11.0
28.0
370
8x57 m/m Mauser Super Speed.
200
S.P.
2320
1990
1720
1500
2390
1760
1310
1000
0.9
4.4
11.5
475
338 Winchester Magnum.
200
Power Pt.
3000
2690
2410
2170
4000
3210
2580
2090
0.5
2.4
6.0
6.30
338 Winchester Magnum.
250
S.T.
2700
2430
2180
1940
4050
3280
2640
2090
0.7
3.0
7.0
640
338 Winchester Magnum.
300
Power Pt
2450
2160
1910
1690
4000
3110
2430
1900
0.8
3.7
9.5
6.30
348 Winchester Super Speed.
150
SJ.Exp.
2890
2460
2060
1710
2780
2020
1410
975
0.6
2 9
7.9
545
348 Winchester Super Speed..
200
S.T.Exp.
2530
2220
1940
1680
2840
2190
1670
1250
0.9
3.6
9.0
5.65
348 Winchester Super Speed.
250
SJ.Exp.
2350
1970
1660
1410
3060
2150
1530
1100
0.9
4.4
11.5
545
35 Remington Super Speed.
200
S.P.
2100
1710
1390
1160
1950
1290
865
605
1.2
6.0
16.5
440
35 Remington Super Speed.
200
S.T.Exp.
2100
1710
1390
1160
1950
1290
865
605
1.2
6.0
16.5
4.30
351 Winchester Self-Loading (Oilproof)*.
180
S.P.
1850
1560
1310
1140
1370
975
685
520
1.5
7.8
21.5
145
351 Winchester Self-Loading (Oilproof)*.
180
F.P.
1850
1560
1310
1140
1370
975
685
520
1.5
7.8
21.5
1.05
358 Winchester Super-Speed.
200
S.T.
2530
2210
1910
1640
2840
2160
1610
1190
0.8
3.6
9.4
4.95
358 Winchester Super Speed.
250
S.T.
2250
2010
1780
1570
2810
2230
1760
1370
1.0
4.4
11.0
4.95
375 H. & H. Magnum Super Speed.
270
S.P.
2740
2460
2210
1990
4500
3620
2920
2370
0.7
2.9
7.1
4.50
375 H. & H. Magnum Super Speed.
300
SJ.Exp.
2550
2280
2040
1830
4330
3460
2770
2230
0.7
3.3
8.3
6.50
375 H. & H. Magnum Super Speed.
300
F.P.
2550
2180
1860
1590
4330
3160
2300
1680
0.7
3.6
9.3
440
38-40 Winchester (Oilproof)*.
180
S.P.
1330
1070
960
850
705
455
370
290
3.2
15.0
36.5
7.15
38-55 Winchester.
255
SJ.
1320
1160
1050
1000
985
760
625
565
2.9
13.0
32.0
3.75
44-40 Winchester (Oilproof)*.
200
S.P.
1310
1050
940
830
760
490
390
305
3.3
15.0
36.5
1.25
45-70 Government.
405
S.P.
1320
1160
1050
990
1570
1210
990
880
2.9
13.0
32.5
5.00
458 Winchester Magnum Super Speed.
500
F.P.
2125
1910
1700
1520
5010
4050
3210
2570
1.1
4.8
12
12.15
458 Winchester Magnum Super Speed.
510
S,P.
2130
1840
1600
1400
5140
3830
2900
2220
1.1
5.1
13.2
7.95
thsido Lubricated H.P.—Hollow Point O.P.E.—Open Point Expanding S.P.—Soft Point P.S.P.—Pointed Soft Point P.P.—Full Patch S.T.—Silvertip M.C.B.T.—Metal Ca*e loot Toll
*50 per Box F.P.B.T.—Pull Patch Boat Tail H.C.P.—Hoilow Copper Point Courtesy Western-Winchester
Bullet upset performance of the 264
Winchester Magnum 140 gr. Power
Point at ranges of 100, 200, 300,
400 and 500 yards.
8th Edition 93
Chapter 3
OBSOLETE AMERICAN RIFLE
CARTRIDGES
(Centerfire Sporting—Blackpowder and Smokeless)
CHAPTER 3 covers obsolete rifle cartridges no longer
loaded by American ammunition manufacturers or no
longer chambered in commercially available rifles. A few
of these are still available out of dealers’ old stocks. Both
smokeless powder and blackpowder cartridges are includ¬
ed. The total number of old blackpowder sporting car¬
tridges is quite large, and many of these are now
collectors’ items.
Some authorities are bound to disagree with a few of
the cartridges placed in the obsolete category. The New¬
ton cartridges, for example, have been kept alive over
the years by wildcat experimenters, and it might be
argued they belong in that classification. A wildcat car¬
tridge is usually defined as one that is not loaded, cham¬
bered or available on a commercial basis. Strictly
speaking, this would make wildcats of almost all the car¬
tridges listed in this chapter. However, they have one
common, differentiating characteristic—all were at one
time available as true commercial cartridges. Further¬
more, used rifles and ammunition out of old stock are
sometimes still available for the majority of smokeless
powder types. They are also listed in old catalogs and
ballistics tables, and it might create confusion to call
them wildcats.
The cartridges in Chapter 3 can be considered as
commercial innovations that have not stood the test of
time. This is as true of the Newton cartridges as the oth¬
ers, but in addition, the Newton designs must be recog¬
nized as too advanced for their day. If Charles Newton
were alive and his cartridges introduced today, they
would be hailed as brilliant and modern in every
respect. Unfortunately, modern powders and entirely
suitable actions were not available back around 1910,
nor was the sporting world quite ready to accept high-
intensity cartridges. The general big game hunting con¬
ditions at that time made the benefits of this
development of doubtful value. The trouble with being
ahead of the times is that your genius is not appreciated
until some future generation. Posthumous recognition
must be of precious little comfort to the individual
involved. The late Roy Weatherby, on the other hand,
arrived on the scene at the right time. He was also a far
better promoter and businessman than was Charles
Newton. Result? Ultra-velocity Weatherby rifles are a
commercial success and his ideas accepted the world
over by all but a few diehards.
The principal importance of obsolete commercial car¬
tridges to today’s sportsman is that rifles for many of
them are still floating around, particularly the smoke¬
less types. It is well to be aware of their existence and
disadvantages before some sharpy unloads an obsolete
rifle on you. Obtaining ammunition in any of these cal¬
ibers is going to be an ever-increasing problem. Of
course, certain handloaders like to play around with
obsolete cartridges just to be different or to try and
improve performance. If you belong to this group, well
and good, you probably know what you are doing. How¬
ever, the average sportsman would be better served by
cartridges in Chapter 2. Up to this point most of the
remarks are aimed at the obsolete smokeless powder
cartridges. The true blackpowder types are a different
story. Many of the old blackpowder rifles are now quite
valuable, and there is a considerable and growing trend
toward the use of these old rifles for target shooting and
hunting.
Cartridge Development
Blackpowder cartridges discussed in this chapter cover
arms development from about 1868 to 1895. Ideas and
experiments of this interval were a necessary prerequi¬
site to perfection of modem, high-powered rifles and
ammunition. This was also one of the most romantic peri¬
ods of American history—the consolidation and settling
of the western frontier. The first successful, self-con¬
tained metallic cartridge produced on a commercial basis
in the United States was the 22 rimfire Short, introduced
by Smith & Wesson for their small tip-up revolver in
1857. Commercial cartridge production from then until
sifter the close of the Civil War was mostly in the rimfire
field. Essential features of the modern centerfire were
94 Cartridges of the World
covered in patents of George W. Morse, issued in 1856
and 1858. His design had an anvil formed out of a wire
soldered to the inside of the case. The primer or cap was
supported by a perforated rubber disc within the base of
the case. American Col. Hiram Berdan perfected his
priming system, with the anvil formed in the bottom of
the primer pocket, during 1866. British Col. Edward Box¬
er developed his self-contained primer and anvil in 1867.
Oddly, the Berdan type is used extensively in Europe
while the Boxer primer is used by American manufactur¬
ers almost exclusively. Frankford Arsenal initiated exper¬
iments to develop a satisfactory centerfire system as
early as 1858. The Union Metallic Cartridge Co. (now
Remington) began manufacturing Berdan centerfire car¬
tridges in 1868, about a year after the company was
formed. The first of the American outside primed,
Berdan-type cartridges were probably the 50-70 Govt,
and 50 Remington Navy rounds. After 1870, development
and introduction of improved centerfire cartridges was
quite rapid. In 1885 the French chemist, Vielle, developed
the first practical smokeless powder, and in 1886 this was
adopted for the new French 8mm Lebel military car¬
tridge. The United States military adopted their first
smokeless small-bore cartridge in 1892 for the Krag bolt-
action rifle. Winchester developed the first smokeless
powder sporting round, the 30-30 WCF, during 1895.
Blackpowder cartridges did not begin a serious decline in
the United States until after about 1910. Both Remington
and Winchester were still loading blackpowder in some of
the old cartridges as late as 1936 or ’37. Several black¬
powder cartridges such as the 44-40,45 Colt, 45-70, 32-40
and 38-55, survived the change to smokeless powder and
are, or were, still manufactured, but no longer with black¬
powder. Those loaded at present are included with mod¬
em cartridges.
Caliber Confusion
Two great sources of confusion with blackpowder
sporting cartridges are the method of nomenclature and
the manufacturer’s habit of sticking his name on any
cartridge he made or chambered. Two or three numbers
were used to designate a particular cartridge, such as
the 45-70 Govt, or the 45-70-500 Govt. The first numeral
is the caliber or bullet diameter, the second is the powder
charge in grains and the third is the bullet weight in
grains. This last was then usually followed by the manu¬
facturer’s name. The same cartridge loaded by Winches¬
ter was called, in one version, the 45-70-350 WCF. As
offered for Marlin rifles of the same caliber, it was called
the 45-70-300 Marlin. As a matter of confusing fact, the
Sharps Rifle Co. designated this same 45-70 Govt, as the
45-2.1-inch Sharps. Winchester introduced the tapered
cased 40-65 WCF, but Marlin loaded it with only 60
grains of powder for their rifle, so named it the 40-60
Marlin. They are nearly identical and are interchange¬
able. However, Winchester also introduced the 40-60
WCF, a shorter and quite different case than the so-
called “40-60 Marlin.” The 50-100, 50-105 and 50-110
Winchester are sometimes listed as different cartridges,
but they are, in reality, just different loadings of the orig¬
inal 50-110. Confusing! To add a bit more to the mess,
consider the “Everlasting” or heavy reloadable-type case
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
that was popular for many years. These were so thick
and heavy they didn’t always have sufficient volume to
hold the original powder charge. Manufacturers got
around this by making the case a little longer than stan¬
dard. This practice gave rise to all kinds of different cal¬
ibers that are nothing more than a slightly lengthened
version of something else. Trying to tie the standard
original and the longer reloadable version together is
often difficult. We have attempted to unravel as much of
this confusion as possible.
Bullet diameter, as listed in most cartridge books, is
based on that portion protruding from the case mouth.
This is all right for identification purposes, but not
much help to the man trying to load ammunition. Bul¬
let diameter, as given here, is that recommended for
loading and shooting and is related to average groove
diameter. It was obtained by measuring bullets
removed from factory ammunition or from old Ideal cat¬
alogs or manufacturers’ specifications. Ideal catalogs
had a reference table listing various cartridges and the
loading tool and standard bullet furnished. This is a
good index for bullet diameter in any given caliber, but
there was considerable variation in old rifle bores. It is
a good idea to measure the bore diameter before you
order a mould, just to be on the safe side. If you can’t
figure out the caliber of your rifle, have it checked by a
gunsmith or make a chamber cast and measure it. A
comparison of the chamber dimensions with the car¬
tridge dimensions in this or other chapters should
allow you to determine the caliber of almost any rifle.
These cartridge dimensions will also assist in making
up ammunition for the old-timers, or determining the
caliber of unmarked cases.
Chamber Casting
In making chamber castings one can use lead alloy (not
recommended), sulphur, or a low melting point bismuth
alloy.
Flowers of sulphur, obtainable at any drugstore, is fair¬
ly satisfactory. However, sulphur casts are extremely brit¬
tle and prone to breakage while being removed from the
chamber or during later handling. The sulphur solution (4
ounces of sulphur, a pinch of lampblack and about a tea¬
spoon of camphor) must be heated very slowly with con¬
tinuous stirring. When completely molten, it is ready for
pouring into the chamber. It should be poured quickly and
allowed to cool thoroughly before any attempt to remove
the cast is made.
The chamber must be thoroughly cleaned and then
lightly oiled before pouring. The bore should be plugged
forward of the chamber, thus also giving you a cast of the
bore for measurement, with a tightly fitting cork
attached to a piece of wire extending from the breech. A
finger loop on the end of the wire mandrel aids in remov¬
ing the cast.
The most satisfactory and durable chamber casts are
accomplished with chamber cast metal available from
gunsmith supply houses. These are bismuth alloys, and
casts made from them can be remelted for repeated use.
Oil the chamber and throat as above. One of the typical
bismuth alloys used for chamber castings is Cerrosafe,
available from Brownells, Montezuma, Iowa. This alloy
8th Edition 95
Chapter 3
has a pouring temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit, or
22 degrees below the boiling point of water. Care should
be taken that the material is not over-heated, as this pre¬
vents its being reused. It shrinks slightly for a few min¬
utes after it hardens, which simplifies removal of large or
long casts. Measurements made approximately 1 hour
after removal will give the truest dimensions. Surfaces of
bismuth alloy casts are very smooth, unlike those of lead
alloy which are almost always badly wrinkled.
Blackpowder Loads and Shooting
Although there is considerable difference in knockdown
or killing power between some of the blackpowder sport¬
ing cartridges, there is not much variation in effective
range. There are plenty of stories about old buffalo
hunters killing game at ranges of V 2 -mile or more, and
there may be an element of truth in this. Some of the big-
bore match cartridges were used for 1000- and even 1400-
yard shooting. Buffalo hunters, generally professionals
who had spent years in the field, must have developed a
keen ability for estimating distance. On the target range,
distance was known and the rifle sighted-in before the
match started. Many people can’t tell 100 feet from 100
yards in the field and that is why blackpowder rifles, with
their rainbow trajectories, are restricted to an effective
game range of not much over 150 yards. An experienced
hunter or anyone who has practiced with his rifle and
knows how to judge distance with reasonable accuracy
can, of course, do much better than this. Blackpowder car¬
tridges below about 38-caliber are mostly for small or
medium game. Above this are many good short- to medi¬
um-range deer and black bear calibers. The big and long
45- to 50-caliber numbers would knock the stuffing out of
the largest moose or grizzly bear that ever lived. All you
have to do is hit him in the right place.
Loading ammunition for blackpowder rifles
requires caution if you intend to use smokeless
powder. Velocity and pressure must be kept at the
original level in most rifles as a matter of safety.
Jacketed bullets and high velocity are out of the question
unless you have a modem action and a smokeless steel
barrel. A few of the old actions are strong enough to be
rebarreled to modem calibers, but most are not. Among
the strongest are the Peabody-Martini, Remington rolling
block and Hepburn, Sharps-Borchardt, Stevens 44V2 and
the Winchester single shot. Late models of these are as
strong as many modern actions, but early models don’t
have the improved smokeless steel and caution is advis¬
able. The weakest of the lot are the U.S. 1866 and
1873 Springfield, Kennedy, Whitney, and the Win¬
chester Models 1873 and 1876. Nothing but very
light loads of smokeless powder should be used in
these and it is better to stick to blackpowder. Also,
don’t use a smokeless charge given for one bullet weight
with a heavier bullet as this will raise pressure, perhaps
beyond safe limits. Old cartridge cases are often of the
folded-head (balloon) type and not very strong and, since
blackpowder residue is corrosive to brass, inspect your
cases very carefully. It is actually better and safer to use
modem-made brass in original or reformed cases if at all
possible. Noncorrosive primers don’t leave chloride salts
in the bore, hence, reduce corrosion, but they also raise
pressure, so bear that in mind when working up loads.
Shooting blackpowder rifles and cartridges is lots of fun,
and there is no reason for it to be any more dangerous
than shooting modern rifles. On the other hand, it
requires common sense and a knowledge of what you are
trying to do. If in doubt, don’t!!! Ask a good gunsmith and
follow his advice—it’s cheaper in the long run.
Shooting old blackpowder rifles has become such a pop¬
ular pastime that furnishing ammunition for these obso¬
lete guns is a growing business. As a further aid in
obtaining ammunition, get a copy of the book, Cartridge
Conversions by the late Maj. George C. Nonte, Jr. This
will tell you how to make, via reforming, most of the non¬
existent blackpowder cartridges. An article in the 1962,
16th Edition of the Gun Digest by Nonte will provide a
good introduction to this subject. The Lyman Reloaders
Handbook and the NRA— Illustrated Reloading Hand¬
book (out of print) also have much valuable information on
making and loading obsolete cartridges. It is not surpris¬
ing to see replicas of some of the more popular blackpow¬
der cartridge rifles being manufactured, following the
success with percussion replica arms. Bell Basic Brass
(formerly Brass Extrusion Laboratories) and now called
M.A.S.T. Technologies made 45- and 50-caliber brass cas¬
es from which many obsolete blackpowder cartridges
could be formed. Further information can be found under
individual cartridges in this chapter. Red Willow Tool and
Armory and Bertram Bullet Company currently manufac¬
ture many obsolete American and British obsolete car¬
tridges. These can be obtained from Huntington’s (601
Oro Dam Blvd., Oroville, CA 95965) or The Old Western
Scrounger (12924 Hwy. A-12, Montague, CA 96064).
96 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
219 Zipper
Historical Notes The 219 Zipper was brought out in 1937 by
Winchester for their Model 64 lever-action rifle, which was a
modernization of the Model 94. As with the 218 Bee, the lever
action did not prove sufficiently accurate for long-range shooting
on small targets and in addition did not allow the proper mount¬
ing of telescopic sights. Winchester discontinued the Model 64
after WWII. The last commercial rifle chambered for this car¬
tridge was the Marlin Model 336 lever action, discontinued in this
caliber in 1961. A number of custom-made single shot and Krag-
Jorgensen rifles have been made for the 219 Zipper. It is not and
never has been very popular, largely because of the rifles avail¬
able. It is based on the necked-down 25-35 WCF case. Winchester
dropped the 219 Zipper in 1962, and Remington followed shortly
thereafter.
General Comments In a good solid-frame single shot or bolt-
action rifle, the 219 Zipper is just as accurate as any other high-
velocity 22 in its class. Since it was designed for tubular maga¬
zines, all factory-loaded ammunition is furnished with flat- or
round-nosed bullets, and this causes rapid velocity loss. Although
overshadowed by the 222 Remington, it is still an entirely satis¬
factory small game, varmint or target cartridge when used in a
suitable action. It is one of the few American cartridges that will
work well in the British Lee-Enfield action, and some of these
rifles have been rebarreled and altered to handle the Zipper. It is
just as good on any count as the 222 Remington, but is handi¬
capped by being rimmed and hence not suitable for modem
Mauser-type bolt-action rifles. The Marlin Model 336 permitted
the proper positioning and use of scope sights, and this has added
to the usefulness of the Zipper to those who favor the lever action.
The Zipper has adequate power for small game and varmints up
to, but not including, deer.
219 Zipper Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
45 SP
IMR 4320
30
3600
1295
Homady
45 SP
BL-C
27
3400
1152
Homady
45 SP
H-380
30.5
3500
1224
Sierra
50 SP
IMR 3031
26
3400
1284
Sierra
50 SP
H-380
31
3500
1360
Sierra, Homady
55 SP
IMR 4320
29
3300
1330
Homady, Sierra
55 SP
H-380
30
3300
1330
Homady, Sierra
55 SP
IMR 4320
27
3300
1330
Sierra
60 SP
IMR 4064
28
3300
1451
Homady
60 SP
H-380
31
3300
1451
Homady
55 SP
FL
3110
1200
Factory load
22-15-60 Stevens
Historical Notes One of a number of cartridges for the Stevens
44 or 44V2 series of single shot rifles, this cartridge was intro¬
duced by Stevens in 1896. Actual design is credited to Charles H.
Herrick of Winchester, Massachusetts. It did not enjoy a particu¬
larly long life as most shooters preferred the 25-21 or some of the
larger calibers. Many shooters claimed the 22-15 Stevens gave
better accuracy than the 22 WCF.
General Comments This is an improved centerfire 22 of sub¬
stantially better killing power than other 22s of its day. With the
heavy 60-grain bullet, it would shoot relatively flat for 125 yards
or so. As a target or match cartridge, most of the blackpowder 22s
fouled the bore badly and required frequent cleaning. Most shoot¬
ers preferred the larger calibers of from 25 on up. The 22-15-60
was displaced by the 22 WCF and smokeless powder develop¬
ments in the rimfire group. Original primer was the IV 2 size, the
same as our modem Small Rifle or Pistol primer of .175-inch
diameter. Charge was 15 grains of FFFFg or FFFg. Lyman No.
22636 or 22637 in 54- to 60-grain weight is the proper bullet if
you should have one of these old rifles in shooting condition.
22-15-60 Stevens Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
60 Lead
Unique 3.4
1070*
152
Lyman #22636
60 Lead
FL(FFg 15)
1150
176
Factory load
'Estimated
8th Edition 97
Chapter 3
22 Extra Long Centerfire (Maynard) f.——.
Historical Notes The 22 Extra Long centerfire is one of a series
of cartridges for the Model 1882 Maynard single shot hunting and
gallery rifles. It is, in effect, a centerfire version of the 22 rimfire
Extra Long. It originally used the small number 0 primer which
has not been manufactured for many years. It was replaced by
the longer 22 centerfires and the 22 WCF. Ballard and Stevens
rifles were also available in this caliber.
General Comments Powder charge varied from 8 to 10
grains of FFFg or FFFFg black or semi-smokeless powder.
Case lengths of l 5 /32 inches to IV 4 inches will be encountered.
Three or 4 grains of IMR 4756 shotgun powder makes a fairly
satisfactory load. Lyman’s No. 228151 (45-grain) bullet is
proper for this cartridge.
22 Extra Long Centerfire (Maynard) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
45 Lead FL (FFFg 8-10) 1100 122 Factory load
22 Winchester Centerfire (22 WCF)
Historical Notes The 22 WCF was introduced in 1885 as one of
the original cartridges for the famous Winchester single shot rifle,
first manufactured in that year. It was also chambered in the
Remington No. 7 rolling block rifle in 1904. It was actually too
long for most of the short repeating actions of the day, although
Winchester once cataloged it for the Model 1873, so its use was
confined mostly to single shot rifles. It is the predecessor of the 22
Hornet.
General Comments The 22 WCF enjoyed considerable popular¬
ity as a target, small game and varmint cartridge until 1925. Win¬
chester advertised it as a 200-yard cartridge, but with its midrange
trajectory of some 13.5 inches, it was more of a 100- to 125-yard
number. Although originally a blackpowder cartridge, it was
loaded in smokeless version with identical ballistics. In Europe it
was stepped up to about 1700-1800 fps and used in drillings or oth¬
er combination guns. The 22 WCF was discontinued in 1936.
22 Winchester Centerfire Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
45 SP
Unique
4
1500
226
45 SP
2400
6
1650
273
45 Cast
FFg
13.0
1560
244
Lyman #228151
45 Lead
FL
(FFFg 13)
1540
240
Factory load
Winchester Special
Sporting Single Shot
98 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
22 Savage High-Power
(22 High-Power)
Historical Notes Designed by Charles Newton and introduced
as a commercial cartridge by Savage Arms Co. in their Model 99
lever-action rifle about 1912. The cartridge was first called the
“Imp.” In the United States only Savage produced a commercial
rifle in this caliber, although a great many custom rifles were
chambered for it. In England the BSA Martini single shot was
chambered for it about 1912. In Europe it is known as the
5.6x52Rmm and has been chambered in various drillings or com¬
bination rifle and shotgun arms. The 22 Savage is based on the
25-35 case necked-down. It has been obsolete since the 1930s.
Norma still manufactures ammunition in this caliber.
General Comments The 22 Savage High-Power enjoyed con¬
siderable popularity through the early 1900s. Unfortunately, like
some later high-velocity 22s, it did not prove very accurate in
some of the lever-action rifles chambered for it. The bullets then
available may have held some share of the blame. It was origi¬
nally advertised as a small game and deer cartridge, but it quick¬
ly proved to be rather undependable on the latter. Nonetheless,
the 22 Savage was used in Africa and Asia on such unlikely
beasts as lion and tiger, with some glowing reports on its effec¬
tiveness. It is a perfectly adequate small game and varmint car¬
tridge, but no big game number by any standard. It has been
rendered obsolete by new and much improved modem cartridges
such as the 222 Remington. For single shot rifles, most modem
shooters prefer the 225 Winchester because of the availability of
ammunition and cases, plus the fact that the 225 uses standard
.224-inch diameter bullets, as opposed to the .228-inch bullets of
the 22 Savage.
22 Savage High-Power Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
55 SP
4895
27
2870
1106
55 SP
3031
30
3260
1291
55 SP
H-380
29
3200
1249
70 SP
RL-7
23
2900
1308
Homady
70 SP
IMR 4198
23
3000
1399
Homady
70 SP
IMR 3031
27
3100
1494
Homady
71 SP
FL
2790
1228
Norma factory load
244 Remington
Historical Notes The 244 Remington was introduced by Rem¬
ington in 1955 in their Model 722 bolt-action rifle. The cartridge
is based on the 257 Roberts necked-down to 6mm. It was actual¬
ly originated as a wildcat by Fred Huntington of Oroville, Cali¬
fornia. The wildcat version preceded the factory design by several
years and was called the 243 Rockchucker. Only Remington
chambered the 244 among American manufacturers, but several
European-made bolt-action rifles were available in this caliber.
General Comments The 244 Remington is ballistically almost
identical to the 243 Winchester. The only notable difference is
that Remington made their 6mm rifles with a 12-inch twist (one
turn in 12 inches), whereas Winchester adopted a 10-inch twist
for their 6mm. The faster twist rate of the Winchester enabled
use of 100-grain bullets for deer whereas the slower twist of the
Remington did not. The net result is that the 244 Remington will
not stabilize spitzer bullets over 90 grains in weight while the 243
Winchester does very well with 100- or even 105-grain bullets.
The reason for this is that a quick twist of 1 in 10-inches or better
is required to stabilize long, heavy bullets. Remington looked on
the 6mm as largely a varmint and small game development and
concluded that anything beyond the 90-grain bullet was unneces¬
sary. Winchester, on the other hand, decided the 6mm was very
much a big game cartridge and therefore the heavier bullets
would be highly desirable. Who was right? It appears as if some¬
thing like ten 243 Winchester-chambered rifles were sold for one
244 Remington. Remington changed to a 9-inch twist at the last,
but too late to rescue the 244 from oblivion. What Remington did
to extricate themselves from this dilemma was to change the
name of the 244 to the 6mm Remington and make all such rifles
with a 1 in 9-inch twist. Remington was the only commercial
manufacturer of this caliber. (Since, with lighter bullets, the 6mm
Remington is interchangeable with the 244 Remington, then
strictly speaking only the headstamp is obsolete.)
244 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
75 HP
IMR 4831
48
3300
1814
Speer, Homady
75 HP
IMR 4350
47
3400
1926
Nosier, Sierra
75 HP
H-380
42
3150
1653
Homady
90 SP
IMR 4831
47
3200
2047
Speer, Sierra, Homady
90 SP
IMR 4350
44.5
3100
1921
Sierra, Speer, Homady
90 SP
H-380
39
3000
1799
Sierra, Speer
90 SP
IMR 3031
36.6
3000
1799
Sierra
75 SP
FL
3500
2040
Remington factory load
90 SP
FL
3200
2050
Remington factory load
8th Edition 99
Chapter 3
6mm Lee Navy
Historical Notes The 6mm Lee cartridge (also known as the
236 Navy) was used in the 1895 Lee Straight Pull bolt-action mil¬
itary rifle manufactured by Winchester for the United States
Navy. About 15,000 of these rifles were made and used by the
Navy on a trial basis. Winchester, Remington and Blake also
chambered sporting rifles for this cartridge. No factory-loaded
ammunition has been available since 1935.
General Comments The 244 or 6mm caliber was revived in
two cartridges introduced by Remington and Winchester in 1955,
the 244 (now the 6mm Remington) and 243. The 6mm Lee car¬
tridge died out mainly because it was too far ahead of its time.
The powders available in 1895 were not suitable to this small cal¬
iber. A few shooters who have old rifles for this round reload and
use it for hunting. It is a good varmint, medium game, deer, black
bear and antelope cartridge at moderate ranges. It is not as pow¬
erful as the 6mm Remington or the 243 Winchester. By increas¬
ing the rim to fit the standard Mauser bolt face and necking the
case to accept 0.224-inch bullets, Winchester created the 220
Swift.
6mm Lee Navy Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
75 SP
IMR 3031
37
3300
1809
Ackley
95 Cast
Unique
5.0
1200
305
Lyman #244203
100 SP
IMR 4895
34
2680
1595
112 SP
IMR 3031
30
2650
1895
Ackley
112 SP
IMR 4895
34
2670
1946
112 SP
FL
2560
1635
Factory load
25-20 Single Shot
Historical Notes Designed by J. Francis Rabbeth, a gun writer at
the turn of the century who used the pen name of J. Francis, the 25-
20 Single Shot first appeared about 1882, and was one of the first
centerfire, 25-caliber wildcats. The first commercial cartridges were
loaded by Remington (UMC), and shortly thereafter Maynard,
Remington, Stevens and Winchester chambered single shot rifles
for the round. No commercial rifles have been available in this cal¬
iber since the late 1920s and the manufacturers stopped loading this
number in the mid ’30s. Bell Basic Brass (now MAS.T. Technolo¬
gies and formerly Brass Extrusion Laboratories, Ltd.) turned out at
least one run of25-20 Single Shot brass in 1987 and 1988.
General Comments The 25-20 Single Shot was too long to
work through the action of the Winchester Model 1892, so Win¬
chester designed the 25-20 WCF or Repeater version, a shorter,
more bottlenecked case. The 25-20 SS is quite accurate and was
used almost entirely in single shot rifles. As a varmint or small
game cartridge, it is in the same class as the 25-20 WCF. At one
time there was a good deal of leftover ammunition on the dealer’s
shelves, but as this cartridge is the base for forming the once-pop-
ular 2R Lovell wildcat, most of this was bought up by 2R fans.
Most rifles for this cartridge have been rechambered for the still
available 25-20 WCF.
25-20 Single Shot Lading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
60 SP
2400
8.0
1535
310
Ackley
65 Cast
2400
8.0
1620
380
Lyman #257420
86 SP
4227
8.5
1400
370
Ackley
86 SP
FL
1410
380
Factory load
100 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
25-20 Marlin
Historical Notes This cartridge was loaded for the Marlin
repeating rifle Model 1894. Winchester loaded the 25-20 Marlin
beginning around the turn of the century and until about WWI. It
is nothing more than a special version of the 25-20 Winchester,
except perhaps for the bullet nose shape, seating depth and the
25-20 Marlin headstamp. It is otherwise identical to the current
25-20 Winchester. In 1916 Winchester offered five versions of this
cartridge: lead, blackpowder (86 grains, 17 grains); softpoint,
smokeless; full-patch, smokeless; high-velocity softpoint; and
high-velocity, full-patch.
General Comments Evidently sales of Marlin’s Model 1894
rifles generated sufficient demand for special versions of the car¬
tridges for which that rifle was nominally chambered or perhaps
cartridges with slightly different bullet shapes or loading lengths
were found to function better in it. There must have been some
good reason, for Winchester’s 1916 catalog shows separate car¬
tridge loadings with the following names: 25-20 Marlin, 32-20
Marlin, 38-40 Marlin and 44-40 Marlin. It is possible the 25-20
Marlin was somehow unique from the 25-20 Winchester because
the catalog does not specify adaptation to Winchester rifles, as it
does with the others. Also, Winchester showed the same black-
powder load and bullet weight for both the 25-20 Winchester and
the 25-20 Marlin. The 32-20, 38-40 and 44-40 were unique load¬
ings.
25-21 Stevens
Historical Notes The 25-21 Stevens was developed about 1897
as a shortened version of the slightly older 25-25. First introduced
for the 44 Stevens rifles and later available in the 44V2 series, it
was designed by Capt. W.L. Carpenter of the 9th U.S. Infantry,
who also designed the 25-25 Stevens. The Remington-Hepbum
was available in various models for the 25-21, and it was a popu¬
lar target and small game number. Many shooters of the period
disliked the bottlenecked case and the 25-21 was intended as a
straight case version of the 25-20 SS.
General Comments The 25-21 was noted as a very accurate
cartridge, reportedly capable of V 2 -inch, 100-yard groups. It
gave about the same performance as the 25-20 SS, but was
much too long for the standard repeating actions. It is easy to
reload and quite pleasant to shoot. Use Lyman No. 25720 flat-
point or No. 25727 hollowpoint cast bullets. The former weighs
86 grains, the latter 75 grains. Twenty to 23 grains of FFFg
blackpowder can be used or the light smokeless loads listed
below.
25-21 Stevens Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
86 Lead
2400
9
1610
498
86 Lead
Unique
5
1500
434
88 Cast
Unique
5.5
1440
406
Lyman #257231
86 Lead
FL
1470
415
Factory load
8th Edition 101
Chapter 3
25-25 Stevens
Historical Notes The 25-25 was the first straight shell manu¬
factured for Stevens. Designed by Captain Carpenter in 1895,
Stevens introduced it for their Model 44 single shot rifles and for
the 44V2 series after this action was marketed in 1903. It was also
a standard caliber for some of the Remington-Hepbum target
rifles. It was fairly popular, but the shorter 25-21 developed prac¬
tically the same performance and was a little cleaner shooting.
General Comments A very freakish appearing cartridge with
its excessive length-to-diameter ratio, it is the 25-21 with about
V 2 -inch added to its overall length. The late Phil Sharpe wrote
(The Rifle in America , 1938) that the 25-25 gave great extraction
trouble and that is why the shorter 25-21 was developed. Howev¬
er, modem users say this is not so, although the 25-25 fouls the
bore a little more than the 25-21. It is highly probable the 25-21
was developed because it was found that 20 or 21 grains of pow¬
der gave practically the same ballistics as the extra 4 grains or
so. You can use any 257 bullet of from 60 to 86 grains weight, the
gascheck type preferable with smokeless powder.
25-25 Stevens Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
86 Lead
Unique 5.5
1525
448
86 Lead
IMR 4198 10.2
1520
446
86 Lead
FL
1500
434
Factory load
25-36 Marlin
Historical Notes This cartridge, adopted by Marlin in 1895 for
their lever-action Model 93 rifle, was designed by William V.
Lowe a year or so prior and originally called the 25-37. It was
probably inspired by the 25-35 Winchester. The two are very sim¬
ilar but not interchangeable although the 25-35 can be fired in
the slightly longer 25-36 chamber. The 25-36 Marlin was loaded
in smokeless version and survived until the early 1920s.
General Comments The 25-36 and the 25-35 WCF are similar,
however, many rifles for the Marlin cartridge were not strong
enough to withstand maximum loads safely. In general, one
should not exceed 2000 fps velocity with the 25-36. It is not an
adequate deer cartridge, and its use should be confined to small
or medium game. Used in the lever action, it did not acquire a
reputation for outstanding accuracy.
25-36 Marlin Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
87 SP
IMR 3031 20
2010
770
117 SP
IMR 3031 20
1800
845
117 SP
FL
1855
893
Factory load
102 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
256 Winchester Magnum
Historical Notes The 256 Winchester Magnum was an¬
nounced in 1960 as a new handgun cartridge; however, the
only handgun that chambered it was the single shot, enclosed-
breech Ruger “Hawkeye” introduced in late 1961. The 256
Winchester Magnum is listed as a rifle cartridge because Mar¬
lin produced their Model 62 lever-action rifle in this caliber
and Universal Firearms made the semi-auto “Ferret” on the
Ml Carbine action. The Marlin rifle was available about a
year after the Ruger “Hawkeye” and both were discontinued
after a relatively short production life. The Thompson/Center
Contender, a single shot pistol, was also available for this
round. The cartridge is based on the necked-down 357 Mag¬
num revolver case.
General Comments As a rifle cartridge, the 256 is considerably
more potent than the 25-20 and several jumps ahead of the 22
Hornet or the 218 Bee. The factory-loaded 60-grain bullet devel¬
ops over 2760 fps muzzle velocity when fired from a 24-inch rifle
barrel. This offers 1015 foot pounds of muzzle energy, which is
well above the Hornet or the Bee. The 256 Magnum is an effective
varmint cartridge out to ranges of 200 yards. It can be hand-
loaded with heavier 75- or 87-grain bullets to velocities of 2500
and 2230 fps respectively. Although a good varmint and small
game caliber, it is not an adequate deer cartridge and most states
won’t allow its use for this purpose. This caliber is now obsolete.
Winchester was the only commercial manufacturer to offer the
256 Winchester Magnum but discontinued it in the early 1990s.
256 Winchester Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
60 SP
H-4227
14
2500
833
Homady
60 SP
H-4227
16
2800
1045
Homady
60 SP
2400
14
2600
901
Homady
75 HP
H-4227
14
2400
958
Homady
75 HP
IMR 4227
15.5
2500
1041
Sierra
87 SP
IMR 4227
14
2200
935
Sierra
87 SP
H-4227
14
2200
935
Homady
60 SP
FL
2760
1015
Winchester factory load
25 Remington
Historical Notes The 25 Remington is one of a series of rimless
cartridges developed for the Model 8 autoloading rifle and later
used in other Remington rifles. It was introduced in 1906. The
Remington Model 14 slide action, Model 30 bolt action and the
Stevens Model 425 lever action also used the 25 Remington. No
rifles have chambered this cartridge since 1942, and the ammu¬
nition companies stopped loading it about 1950.
General Comments The 25 Remington is nothing more than a
rimless version of the 25-35, but differs slightly in shape. The two
are not interchangeable. Since the Remington line of rifles, par¬
ticularly the Model 30 bolt action, would stand higher pressures
than the lever action, it is possible to get slightly better perfor¬
mance out of the 25 Remington. However, the difference is not
sufficient to make the rimless version anything but a barely able
deer cartridge. It will do for varmints and small to medium game
quite well and deer in a pinch, provided the hunter is a good shot.
The 30-30 is a better cartridge for anything, and the 25 Reming¬
ton is hardly in the same class as the 250 Savage or the 257
Roberts.
25 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
60 SP
H-4895
31
2900
1121
Hornady
60 SP
IMR 4320
32
2900
1121
Homady
117 SP
H-4895
26.5
2200
1258
Homady
117 SP
IMR 3031
25.5
2300
1375
Homady
100 SP
FL
2330
1216
Factory load
117 SP
FL
2125
1175
Factory load
8th Edition 103
Chapter 3
256 Newton
Historical Notes One of several high-velocity, rimless cartridges
designed by Charles Newton for his bolt-action rifles, the 256
Newton was introduced in 1913 by the Western Cartridge Com¬
pany. Until the 264 Winchester Magnum came along in 1958, this
was the only American-designed 6.5mm to be offered on a com¬
mercial basis. The last of the Newton rifle companies failed in the
early 1920s, and Western quit loading Newton cartridges in 1938.
The 256 Newton is based on the 30-06 case necked-down.
General Comments The 256 Newton has hung on as a wildcat
cartridge and occasional custom rifles are made for it. Cases can
be made by necking-down, reforming and shortening 30-06 brass.
This is a good cartridge and is adequate for practically all North
American big game, but it is not as effective as the 270 Winches¬
ter. With modem, slow-burning powders, its performance can be
improved over the original factory ballistics.
256 Newton Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
120 SP
IMR 4350
55
2980
2362
130 SP
IMR 4895
46
2900
2425
140 SP
IMR 4831
57
2890
2598
129 SP
FL
2760
2180
Western factory load
6.5mm Remington Magnum
Historical Notes The 6.5mm is a Remington innovation intro¬
duced in 1966 for their Model 600 carbine. The 6.5mm Remington
Magnum is based on the 350 Remington Magnum case necked
down to 6.5mm (.264-inch). The Remington Model 600 carbine
had an 18V2-inch barrel and the later 660 carbine a 20-inch bar¬
rel. Neither of these carbines allowed the cartridge to develop its
full velocity potential and both were discontinued. By 1971, only
the Remington Model 700 and 40-XB target rifle with 24-inch
barrels were cataloged as available in 6.5mm Magnum caliber.
For a short time, the Ruger Model 77 was offered in this caliber.
All of the rifles referred to are bolt actions. At the present time, no
one offers rifles chambered for the 6.5mm Remington Magnum.
Remington has discontinued ammunition in this caliber.
General Comments The 6.5mm Remington Magnum has
greater case capacity and develops higher velocity than any of the
European military 6.5s. It is an excellent cartridge for North
American big game and can double as a varmint cartridge by
handloading the lighter bullets. Probably one reason it never
achieved great popularity was because the rifles it was offered in
had short magazines which required deep seating of heavier bul¬
lets with a consequent loss in powder capacity and performance.
Combined with the short barrels of the Remington Model 600 and
660 carbines, this added up to ballistics well below the 30-06 class
of cartridges. In a standard long action that will allow seating
heavier bullets farther out, one can approach the performance of
the 270 Winchester. With the proper bullet, the 6.5mm Magnum
is adequate for North American big game at moderate ranges
under normal hunting conditions. Unfortunately, this is another
case of a basically good cartridge that didn’t catch on. At one time,
Remington offered two bullet weights, a 100-grain bullet at an
advertised muzzle velocity of 3450 fps and a 120-grain bullet at
3220 fps. The older 6.5mm cartridges gained their reputation
with heavier bullets of 140 to 160 grains—the lack of such a fac¬
tory load is very likely another reason for the demise of the Rem¬
ington version. Early factory advertised ballistics were based on a
longer than standard barrel and were, therefore, unrealistic. This
caliber is now obsolete.
6.5mm Remington Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
85 SP
IMR 4350
57
3100
1814
Sierra
100 SP
H-4831
56.2
3200
2274
Homady
100 SP
H-380
51.5
3100
2134
Sierra
120 SP
IMR 4831
55
3000
2399
Speer
129 SP
H-4831
54
3000
2579
Homady
140 SP
IMR 4831
52
2750
2352
Speer
160 SP
H-4831
2800
2786
Homady
120 SP
FL
3210
2745
Remington factory load
104 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
275 Holland & Holland Magnum
(275 H&H Magnum)
Historical Notes First loaded in Great Britain about 1912, this
caliber was introduced in the U.S. by Western Cartridge Co. in
1926. Western loaded this cartridge only with the 175-grain bul¬
let until production was discontinued in 1939.
General Comments The 275 H&H was never particularly pop¬
ular in this country. It resembled the 280 Ross, but did not give
the velocity of the Ross. Its chief advantage over other 7mm cal¬
ibers was its ability to handle a 175-grain bullet at increased
velocity. The Western cartridge loading, with a 175-grain soft-
point boattail bullet gave a muzzle velocity of 2690 fps, a muzzle
energy of 2810 and a mid-range (iron sight) trajectory at 100
yards of 0.7-inch. Loading data and cartridge dimensions will be
found in Chapter 8.
275 H&H Magnum Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
140
4064
48.0
2810
2455
Ackley
160
4350
59.0
3050
3305
Ackley
180
4350
58.0
2850
3245
Ackley
195
4350
52.0
2671
3090
Ackley
7x61 mm Sharpe &
Hart Super
Historical Notes The 7x61mm was developed in the United
States by Philip B. Sharpe and Richard F. Hart. Its design was
originally based on a rimless, experimental French 7mm semi¬
auto military cartridge. It was copyrighted and made available
on a commercial basis in the Schultz & Larsen rifle in 1953.
Ammunition was loaded and imported by Norma. The final ver¬
sion had a belted case with “Super” added to its name. Loaded
ammunition is again available through Norma, who is now offer¬
ing a 154-grain bullet, instead of the original 160-grain.
General Comments The 7x61mm Sharpe & Hart (now listed
as the S&H Super) is very similar to the 275 H&H Magnum, a
belted case chambered and loaded in England. It is in the short
7mm magnum class and its performance is the same as a number
of other wildcat cartridges, based on the blown out and shortened
300 H&H Magnum case. However, the Sharpe & Hart case has a
slightly larger rim and base diameter than the 300 H&H. This
cartridge is quite popular in Canada, but its popularity in the
United States was limited by competition from the 7mm Weath-
erby Magnum, the 7mm Remington Magnum and various wild¬
cats. The 7mm S&H is, nonetheless, a fine cartridge for any
North American game and most African plains game. The fact
that Norma is once again loading ammunition will be good news
for those who have rifles of this caliber.
Like any of this ilk, this number can be somewhat hard on its
barrel, especially with either careless shooting, not allowing plen¬
ty of time between shots for barrel cooling, or inadequate clean¬
ing. And, like all similar chamberings, it loses significant velocity
with barrels shorter than 24 inches. Actual ballistics may be clos¬
er to the 7mm Weatherby than factory data suggests.
7x61 mm Sharpe & Hart Super Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
120 SP
IMR 4350
64
3300
2902
Sierra
140 SP
IMR 4831
63
3100
2988
Sierra
140 SP
IMR 4350
62.5
3200
3184
Homady, Sierra
150 SP
IMR 4831
64.5
3100
3202
Sierra
160 SP
IMR 4350
58
2900
2989
Homady, Sierra
175 SP
IMR 4350
60.5
2900
3269
Homady
154 SP
FL
3060
3200
New Norma factory load
160 SP
FL
3100
3410
Old Norma factory load
280 Rimless (Ross) See Chapter 8.
8th Edition 105
Chapter 3
28-30-120 Stevens
Historical Notes The 28-30 was probably the first American-
designed, commercial 7mm cartridge. Introduced by the J.
Stevens Arms & Tool Co. in 1900, it was designed by Charles H.
Herrick of Winchester, Massachusetts. Both 44 and 44V2 Stevens
rifles were chambered for the round. It was an early favorite of
Harry M. Pope, who made up and fitted barrels to a variety of sin¬
gle shot actions in this caliber. As a match cartridge, it estab¬
lished a reputation for exceptional accuracy.
General Comments Remington made the first factory loads for
the 28-30, and these used the 120-grain bullet and 30 grains of Fg
blackpowder. By 1918 it was no longer fisted in the Remington
catalog. Some match shooters who used the 28-30 considered it
superior to the 32-40 out to 300 yards. It makes a good 150-yard
small game or varmint cartridge. Lyman No. 285222 or 285228 is
the proper cast bullet, but one can use any standard 7mm bullet
up to 180 grains weight. Don’t use jacketed bullets in the old
blackpowder barrels as they will wear the bore excessively and
the fine accuracy may be destroyed within a few hundred rounds.
Gascheck bullets are ok.
28-30-120 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
135 Lead
Fg 28
1410
602
135 Lead
IMR 4198 17
1500
605
120 Lead
FL
1500
605
Factory load
30-30 Wesson
Historical Notes The 30-30 Wesson was used in rifles
designed and marketed by Frank Wesson of Worcester,
Massachusetts, who operated from the 1860s into the late
1880s. During the Civil War, the government purchased
about 150 Wesson military carbines in caliber 44 rimfire.
Some of the state militia also purchased Wesson carbines.
His sporting rifles were marketed, in rimfire types, as early
as 1861. As near as can be determined, the 30-30 Wesson
was probably developed sometime around 1880. Frank Wes¬
son was a brother of Daniel B. Wesson, co-founder of the firm
of Smith & Wesson. Both Remington and Winchester made
bullets and cases of this caliber, and U.S. Cartridge Co. cat¬
alogs listed it. Usable cases can probably be fabricated from
357 Maximum cases.
General Comments The most common Wesson rifle was a sin¬
gle shot with a double trigger arrangement. The forward trigger
unlatched the breech, allowing the barrel to be tipped up for load¬
ing and unloading. Several models were marketed, including
sporting and target types. There were, in addition, under-lever,
falling block, solid-frame types that are quite scarce, as are the
Wesson cartridges. The 30-30 Wesson is not the same as the 30-
30 Winchester, and there is nothing to indicate that it had any
influence on the design of the 30-30. Smokeless loads would not
be advisable in this rifle.
30-30 Wesson Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
165 Lead
FL (Fg 30)
1250
1010
Factory load
106 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
30-03 Springfield
30-03 Government
Historical Notes In 1903 the United States government adopt¬
ed a new military loading to replace the 30 Army (30-40 Krag),
which had been adopted in 1892. Like the 30-40 Krag, this new
(30-Caliber, Model of 1903) cartridge featured a 220-grain round¬
nosed lull metal jacket bullet. However, the ’03 increased muzzle
velocity by about 100 fps, even though the M1903 rifle featured a
significantly shorter barrel. The rimless cartridge design, gener¬
ously borrowed from Mauser, was also an improvement as it fea¬
tured superior feeding from a box magazine. Nevertheless, as
seems to have been typical in that era, the U.S. Army was slow to
the task of modernizing. As the 30-03 was standardized, all other
world powers were in the process of adopting spitzer bulleted mil¬
itary loadings. The brand new 30-03 became instantly obsoles¬
cent. A crash program was instituted and in 1906 a modified
version of this basic cartridge was adopted as the 30 Caliber,
Model of 1906. That loading featured a lighter spitzer bullet and
a shorter case neck. The spitzer bullets had a much shorter bear¬
ing surface so the existing rifles were modified by turning back
the barrels two threads and recutting the chambers.
General Comments Despite its short life, this cartridge, like
the 30-06, found application in John M. Browning’s Winchester
Model 1895. Considering the ambitious pressure levels that were
common in the early days of these chamberings, that was, per¬
haps, not such a good idea. For the handloader, case life could be
extremely limited, owing to case stretching as a result of the rear
lockup on those rifles. Compared to the 30-06, the 30-03 offers no
advantage as a sporting round. Ammunition was available at
least until WWI. By today’s standards that is remarkable, for
there were very few sporting rifles chambered for this cartridge
and very soon after 1906 virtually all the 1903 Springfields had
been converted to 30-06.
Winchester Model 1895 rifle.
30 Newton
Historical Notes The 30 Newton was originally designed
for Fred Adolph, and was called the “Adolph Express” when
introduced in 1913. It was not until several years later that
Charles Newton produced rifles for his own brainchild, and it
received the inventor’s name. The Western Cartridge Compa¬
ny produced the 30 Newton cartridge. No commercial rifle
other than the Newton ever chambered it. Production of rifles
ceased in the early ’20s, and Western dropped the cartridge
about 1938.
General Comments The 30 Newton is a rimless, magnum-type
cartridge similar to the 30-06, but larger in diameter. Neither
ammunition nor brass cases are readily available since it has
been obsolete for over 50 years. A limited quantity of new brass
cases was manufactured right after WWII by Richard Speer. The
30 Newton is powerful enough for any North American big game.
The 300 H&H Magnum and 300 Weatherby Magnum outperform
it even though its performance can be improved by handloading
with modem powders.
30 Newton Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 SP
IMR 4320
67
3175
3361
150 SP
IMR 4831
76
3100
3206
180 SP
IMR 4320
62
2840
3235
180 SP
IMR 4831
73
2890
3350
200 SP
IMR 4350
66
2730
3318
180 SP
FL
2860
3270
Western factory load
8th Edition 107
Chapter 3
308 Norma Magnum
Historical Notes The 308 Norma Magnum was introduced in
1960 by A.B. Norma Projektilfabrik of Amotfors, Sweden. In its
original form, this cartridge was something of a semi-wildcat,
because only unprimed brass cases were available and no com¬
mercial rifles were chambered for it. However, about 18 months
after it was introduced, Norma began producing factory ammuni¬
tion in this caliber. Several European manufacturers chamber
the round as standard or on order.
General Comments The 308 Norma Magnum is practically
identical to the wildcat 30-338, which is the 338 Winchester Mag¬
num necked-down to 30-caliber. However, the two cases are not
interchangeable due to a difference in body length. Almost any
standard-length 30-06 rifle can be rechambered to take the 308
Norma cartridge. This cartridge is also similar to a number of 30-
caliber wildcat magnums based on the blown-out and shortened
300 H&H case, and known collectively as the 300 short magnum
group. The 30 Luft, 300 Apex and Ackley Short 30 Magnum are
representative of this class. Needless to say, the 308 Norma Mag¬
num is adequate for any North American big game and should
also do well on African plains game. Powder capacity is only a
hair greater than the 300 H&H, but the shape of the case is radi¬
cally different. This is a proprietary cartridge of European origin
designed specifically for the American market. It is placed with
the American cartridges because most U.S. readers will look for it
here. Technically, it belongs in the chapter covering European
cartridges.
308 Norma Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 SP
H-380
70
3500
2721
Speer
110SP
IMR 4350
75.5
3400
2824
Sierra, Homady
125 SP
IMR 4350
76
3400
3209
Sierra, Homady
150 SP
IMR 4350
72
3200
3420
Hornady, Nosier, Sierra, Speer
150 SP
IMR 4831
73
3150
3306
Nosier, Speer
165 SP
IMR 4350
71
3100
3522
Sierra, Speer, Nosier
180 SP
IMR 4831
73
3000
3598
Sierra
220 SP
IMR 4350
68
2800
3831
Hornady
180 SP
FL
3100
3842
Norma factory load.
32-40 Remington
Historical Notes The 32-40-150 (2V8 inches) Remington was
one of the calibers for the single shot, rolling block Sporting Rifle
No. 1, introduced in 1870. This cartridge appears to have been
introduced shortly after the rifle, about 1871-72. The 32-40 Rem¬
ington was also one of the calibers for the No. 3 Hepburn, and
some of the Farrow single shot rifles. Other than this, no one else
seems to have adopted it. Remington quit loading it in 1910.
General Comments This is a very odd-looking cartridge with a
long tapered shoulder that merges imperceptibly with an elon¬
gated neck. It is usually listed as a straight case, but it isn’t real¬
ly straight and isn’t exactly necked. It might best be described as
a “taper-necked” case. On the dimensional chart it is shown as
type “A”, or rimmed, bottleneck, but this isn’t 100 percent correct.
The shoulder diameter is arbitrary since it is difficult to decide
just where the shoulder begins. Although called a 32-caliber, the
true bullet diameter is .308- or .309-inch, hence it is really a 30-
caliber. It was both a hunting and target round of limited popu¬
larity. It lost out to the 32-40 Ballard which was available in both
single shot and repeating rifles. It was a small to medium game
cartridge, but was probably also used to some extent for hunting
deer-size animals. Usable cases might be formed from either 30-
40 Krag or 303 British brass.
32-40 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 Lead
IMR 4198 14.5
1350
607
Lyman #308156
150 Lead
FL
1350
607
Factory load
108 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
32-20 Marlin
Historical Notes This cartridge was loaded for the Marlin 1894
repeating rifle. Winchester loaded this cartridge beginning around
the turn of the century and until about WWI. It is nothing more than
a special version of the 32 WCF (32-20 Winchester). Compared to the
Winchester round, it was loaded with a lighter bullet, 100 grains ver¬
sus 117 grains. With the exceptions of perhaps bullet nose shape,
seating depth and headstamp, this loading appears to have been oth¬
erwise identical to the 32-20 Winchester. In 1916 Winchester offered
three versions of this cartridge: lead, blackpowder (100 grains, 20
grains); softpoint (117 grains) smokeless; and full-patch (117 grains)
smokeless. High-velocity loadings were not offered.
General Comments Evidently sales of Marlin’s Model 1894
rifle generated sufficient demand for special versions of the
cartridges for which that rifle was nominally chambered. Per¬
haps cartridges with slightly different bullet shapes or load¬
ing lengths were found to function better in it. Whatever the
reason, the 1916 catalog shows separate cartridge loadings
with the following names: 25-20 Marlin, 32-30 Marlin, 38-40
Marlin and 44-40 Marlin. Winchester says this cartridge was
adapted to both Winchester and Marlin rifles as were the 38-
40 and 44-40 Marlins.
32-30 Remington
Historical Notes This bottleneck cartridge, similar to the 32-20
WCF, was one of the calibers available for the Remington-Hep-
bum No. 3 series single shot rifle introduced in 1880. The car¬
tridge was first made in November of 1884. Not a true 32, bullet
diameter is .312-inch.
General Comments The Remington-Hepbum was billed as a
“long-range hunting and target rifle,” but the 32-30 is hardly a
long-range cartridge. It is only a notch or so above the 32-20
WCF. It was not a popular caliber, and died out in 1912. Like
most other single shot cartridges, this one was too long for the
short repeating actions such as the Model 92 Winchester. They
were, in addition, too small for the larger actions. This in-between
position eliminated them as the repeater gained popularity.
Rifles for the 32-30 are comparatively rare today. Ammunition
can be made by reforming 357 Magnum or 357 Maximum brass.
32-30 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
Ill Lead
IMR 4198 14
1650
676
Lyman #311316
115 Lead
FFg 35
1430
528
125 Lead
FL
1380
535
Factory load
32-35 Stevens & Maynard
Historical Notes A match cartridge introduced by J. Stevens
Arms & Tool Co. in the mid-1880s, it was one of the calibers avail¬
able for the New Model Range Rifle Nos. 9 and 10, which first
appeared in 1886. These were on a tip-up single shot action and
some of the earlier models of this type may also have chambered
the 32-35. Later rifles based on the 44 and 44V2 under-lever sin¬
gle shot actions were also available in 32-35.
General Comments This was one of the most accurate of the
Stevens target cartridges, and many records were established
with it. The 32-40 was responsible for its gradual obsolescence.
Best accuracy was usually obtained by seating the bullet in the
chamber Vie-inch or so ahead of the case; the case, full of powder
with a wad to prevent spilling was then inserted in the chamber
behind the bullet. Lyman No. 3117 bullet of 153 grains weight
was popular with many riflemen. Correct load of blackpowder
was 35 grains of Fg or FFg.
32-35 Stevens & Maynard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
153 Lead
IMR 4198 14
1410
683
165 Lead
IMR 4227 11
1380
696
165 Lead
FL
1400
683
Factory load
8th Edition 109
Chapter 3
32-40 Bullard
Historical Notes This is the smallest caliber of a series
designed for the Bullard single shot and repeating rifles. Bullard
patents were granted in 1881, and manufacture of their rifles is
believed to have started during 1882 or 1883. Exact date of intro¬
duction of the individual cartridges is difficult to establish, but all
were available by 1887.
General Comments The Bullard lever-action repeating rifle
resembled the Winchester, but employed a different rack and pin¬
ion mechanism. The loading port in the magazine was located on
the bottom rather than the side, as is the Winchester. The single
shot was of the under-lever type and quite strong. Although
Bullard rifles and cartridges were as good as any of contemporary
manufacture, they did not endure beyond 1900. Some Bullard
cartridges were made by Remington and Winchester. Perfor¬
mance of the 32-40 Bullard is the same as the 32-40 Winchester
and Marlin. Both are scarce items. Usable cases can be easily
formed from 357 Remington Maximum brass.
32-40 Bullard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 Lead
IMR 4198 15
1470
719
Lyman #311241
155 Lead
2400 13
1400
674
150 Lead
FL
1492
750
Factory load
32 Long (CF)
Historical Notes A centerfire, reloadable version of the 32 Long
rimfire with an outside-lubricated bullet. It was introduced in
1875 in a variety of light-frame single shot rifles and also the
Marlin Models 1891 and 1892. Some of these were constructed so
that both rim- and centerfire ammunition could be used by
changing the firing pin or hammer.
General Comments The 32 Long was not a satisfactory or
effective cartridge. A longer case was soon used, called the “Extra
Long,” in order to increase range and killing power on small
game. Eventually the 32 Long was replaced by such numbers as
the 32-20 WCF, 32 Ideal and the 32-35 Stevens. It is very similar
to the 32 Colt revolver cartridge. Standard load consisted of 13
grains of FFFg blackpowder and an 80- to 85-grain bullet. Muzzle
velocity was only about 800 to 900 fps, depending on load and
barrel length. The 32 S&W Long or 32 Long Colt will work in
most old rifles of this caliber. Cartridges in this caliber are now
collector’s items.
32 Long (CF) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
85 Lead
FL
850
136
Factory load
32 Ballard Extra Long
Historical Notes The 32 Extra Long is an elongated version of
the 32 Long centerfire, the latter being one of the calibers avail¬
able for the J.M. Marlin 1876 Ballard No. 2 Sporting Rifle. The 32
Extra Long cartridge appeared in 1879. This was after Marlin
Fire Arms Co. began manufacturing Ballard rifles. They intro¬
duced (or continued) the Sporting Rifle No. 2 in 1881. Stevens,
Remington, Wurfflein and other single shot rifles were also avail¬
able in this caliber. It was fairly popular, but lost out to the 32-20
WCF. Most companies stopped loading it by 1920. Rifles cham¬
bered for this cartrdige will usually chamber and fire both the 32
S&W Long and 32 Long Colt.
General Comments This is essentially a centerfire version of the 32
Extra Long rimfire, and ballistics are practically identical. It was used
as a target and small game cartridge throughout the late 1800s. It is
very similar in performance to the blackpowder loading of the 32-20
WCF. Most of the old rifles for this cartridge will not safely withstand
heavy loads of modem smokeless powder. An outside-lubricated bullet
of the same diameter as the case neck was first used.
32 Ballard Extra Long Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
115 Lead
IMR 4198 9
1360
473
115 Lead
FL (FFg 20)
1200
372
Factory load
110 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
32 Winchester Self-Loading
(32 Winchester SL)
Historical Notes This, the second of two cartridges developed
for the Winchester Model ’05 self-loading rifle which was intro¬
duced in 1905-1906. It became obsolete when the rifle was dis¬
continued in 1920. The case is of the semi-rimmed type similar to
the 35 SL which was the original cartridge for the Model ’05 rifle.
The 32 Winchester SL was probably the prototype of the 30 U.S.
Carbine cartridge. The two are very similar except for bullet
diameter and the fact that the 30 Carbine cartridge is rimless.
General Comments The 32 Winchester SL cartridge is in the
same class as the 32-20 Winchester, strictly a small to medium
game number at close range. However, it isn’t nearly as flexible
as the 32-20 because of the semi-automatic rifle in which it was
used. This was never a very popular cartridge. Not only was the
cost of ammunition relatively high, but in addition, the cartridge
is not well-suited to reloading, even if you could find the empty
cases after being ejected from the action. Some might reason this
cartridge as the number one candidate for the title: “World’s most
useless centerfire rifle cartridge.”
32 Winchester Self-Loading Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
155 Cast
2400 9.5
1270
556
Lyman #321298
165 SP
2400 12.0
1450
775
165 SP
IMR 4227 12.5
1440
760
165 SP
FL
1400
760
Winchester factory load
32-40 (32-40 Ballard/
32-40 Winchester)
Kl£AMRQ-R£..~
‘. 02-40
WINCHESTER
I
Historical Notes Originally developed as a blackpowder match
or target cartridge for the single shot Ballard Union Hill Rifle,
Nos. 8 and 9, the 32-40 was introduced in 1884 loaded with a 165-
grain lead bullet in front of 40 grains of Fg blackpowder. It estab¬
lished a reputation for fine accuracy and Winchester and Marlin
added it to their line of lever-action repeating and single shot
rifles late in 1886 et seq. The late Harry Pope’s favorite cartridge
was the 32-40 and his variant, 33-40. Ammunition has been dis¬
continued by major companies. However, in the early 1980s Win¬
chester loaded this caliber to boost sales of their John Wayne
Commemorative rifle.
General Comments In a good solid-frame rifle, the 32-40 will shoot
as well as any modem high-powered match cartridge out to 200 or 300
yards. It was a fairly popular hunting cartridge for medium game and
deer, and while it has certainly killed its share of deer, the factory load¬
ing barely qualifies in that class. However, in a strong action it can be
handloaded to equal the 30-30. For small to medium game or varmints,
it will do very well at moderate ranges. Do not use high-velocity loadings
in the old Ballard or Stevens 44 rifles. A number of modem copies of old
Sharps single shot rifles and a special commemorative M1894 Win¬
chester have chambered the 32-40 in recent years. Usable cases can
easily be formed from 30-30,32 Special or 38-55 brass.
32-40 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
155 Lead
2400
13.0
1460
786
165 Lead
H-4895
16.0
1410
729
OK for old rifles—Hodgdon
165 Lead
H-4198
14.0
1340
658
OK for old rifles—Hodgdon
165 Lead
H-4895
22.0
1865
1275
Not for old rifles—Hodgdon
165 Lead
H-335
23.0
1890
1309
Not for old rifles—Hodgdon
170 Lead
XMP5744
20.0
1802
1226
Accurate Arms
165 SP
FL
1440
760
Winchester factory load
165 SP
FL
1752
1125
High velocity Winchester factory load
32 Remington
Historical Notes Another of the Remington rimless line of
medium high-power rifle cartridges, this one is a rimless version
of the 32 Winchester Special. Introduced in 1906, it was original¬
ly chambered in the Model 8 autoloader and later available in
Remington slide-action and bolt-action rifles. The ammunition
companies discontinued it many years ago.
General Comments Remington felt some need to counter the pop¬
ular series of rimmed cartridges chambered in Winchester’s Model 94
lever action. The incentive was great enough to persuade Remington
to invent substitutions for Winchester’s rimmed 25, 30 and 32 cal¬
ibers, and it could be argued that the 35 Remington was an answer to
Winchester’s 38-55. A bit of reflection suggests that the folks at Rem¬
ington were confused. It wasn’t the cartridges that made Mr. Brown¬
ing’s invention successful, it was Mr. Browning’s invention that made
the cartridges successful. The 32 Remington is, nonetheless, perfectly
adequate for any task to which the 30-30 or 32 Special are suited.
32 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
170 SP
IMR 4895 33.0
2070
1578
Lyman
170 SP
IMR 3031 30.0
2020
1546
170 SP
IMR 4198 26.0
1992
1718
170 SP
FL
2220
1860
Remington factory load
8th Edition 111
Chapter 3
32 Ideal
Historical Notes One of the calibers available for the single
shot Stevens 44 and 44V2 rifles, as well as for other single shot
rifles, this cartridge was introduced in 1903 and was quite popu¬
lar for 20 years or so.
General Comments The 32 Ideal is an improvement over the
older 32 Extra Long Ballard in having inside lubrication and bet¬
ter performance. It is cleaner to handle and easier to reload. It
was also quite accurate and an adequate 150-yard small or medi¬
um game number. Use of bullets lighter than standard provides
room for more powder and gives higher velocity. Sometimes
called the 32-25-150, the 32 Ideal uses a bullet diameter of .323-
inch and, as pointed out in early Ideal Hand Books, it offered new
life, via reboring and rerifling, to “thousands of 32 calibers, Short,
Long and Extra Long, Rim and Center Fire rifles that have been
shot out or rusted...”
32 Ideal Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
115 Lead
FFg 38
1425
524
Lyman #32359
150 Lead
Fg 25
1250
526
Lyman #32360
150 Lead
IMR 4198 12
1330
596
150 Lead
FL (FFg 25)
1250
526
Factory load
33 Winchester
Historical Notes Introduced in 1902 for the Winchester Model
86 lever-action rifle and discontinued along with the rifle in 1936,
it was replaced by the 348 Winchester developed for the improved
Model 71 rifle. It was also chambered in the Marlin Model 95
lever action and in the Winchester Model of 1885 single shot. This
round was dropped in 1940.
General Comments The 33 Winchester earned a good reputa¬
tion as a deer, black bear and elk cartridge when used in the
woods at moderate ranges. Its paper ballistics are no better than
the 35 Remington rimless, but it uses a smaller diameter bullet
with better sectional density than the 200-grain 35-caliber. It
gave good penetration and satisfactory killing power when prop¬
erly used. It is still a good cartridge for anything up to and includ¬
ing elk, and it can be improved safely with modem powders. In
any case, it is not quite as powerful as the 348 Winchester and
the Model 86 action is not quite as strong as the Model 71. Cases
can be formed from 45-70 brass.
33 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 SP
H-4895 45
2200
2150
Homady
200 SP
IMR 3031 40
2100
1959
Homady
200 SP
FL
2200
2150
Winchester factory load
35 Winchester Self-Loading (35 WSL)
Historical Notes The 35 SL was the original cartridge for the
Winchester Model ’05 semi-auto rifle introduced in 1905. The
Model ’05 was the only rifle that ever chambered it, and the car¬
tridge was such a poor one that it was discontinued in 1920.
General Comments The 35 SL cartridge was unsuitable for
anything but small to medium game at very close ranges. How¬
ever, it was too expensive for such shooting. It is too underpow¬
ered for deer and ranks right along with the 32 SL as a rather
useless cartridge. It is semi-rimless, and can be fired in the 38
Special or 357 Magnum revolver if reloaded with .357-inch diam¬
eter lead bullets. Just what value this might have is difficult to
imagine, but it is an interesting fact, just in case the reader didn’t
already know it.
35 Winchester Self-Loading Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
180 SP
IMR 4227
13.5
1440
834
180 SP
2400
13.0
1430
823
165 Lead
2400
8.0
920
312
180 SP
FL
1452
842
Winchester factory load
112 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
351 Winchester Self-Loading (351 WSL)
Historical Notes Introduced in 1907 to replace the 35 SL, the
351 Self-Loading is a more powerful round for the improved Mod¬
el 1907 Winchester autoloading rifle. This cartridge was used to a
very limited extent in both WWI and II by the French as a mili¬
tary cartridge. The rifle was discontinued in 1957.
General Comments The 351 SL doesn’t have much to offer,
even though it is an improvement over the older 35. It won’t qual¬
ify as a suitable deer cartridge, although it has been used for that
purpose. It is a good medium-game cartridge for coyote, mountain
lion or animals in that class, but is too powerful for small game. It
is expensive, not accurate enough and too limited in range for
varmint shooting. Nevertheless, it far surpasses even the best 357
Magnum rifle loads and comes very close to duplicating the 357
Remington Maximum. It has been popular for Latin American
jungle hunting because at the short ranges involved it has suffi¬
cient power for the game encountered there. Here in the U.S. the
351 WSL and the handy Model 1907 semi-automatic rifle it was
introduced in was used extensively as a prison guard gun and is
notorious as one of the guns used in the killing of Bonnie and
Clyde. It has been used from low-flying, light aircraft in the west¬
ern United States for pest control. Like the 35, the 351 SL is semi-
rimmed and the principal differences are a .24-inch longer case
used in the 351 and higher loading pressures. Winchester was the
last company to offer ammunition in this caliber.
351 Winchester Self-Loading Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
177 Cast
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
IMR 4227 16.0
1550
947
Lyman #351319
180
2400 19.0
1793
1280
Medium game only; Lyman
180
4227 19.5
1751
1225
180
FL
1850
1370
Factory load
350 Griffin & Howe
Magnum
Historical Notes The 350 G&H Magnum was developed by Grif¬
fin & Howe in the early 1930s. It is also known as the 350 Holland
& Holland Magnum since that company chambered it in their rifles
for a number of years. In the U.S., ammunition was loaded by
Western Cartridge Company. It is based on the 375 H&H case
necked-down and is similar to a number of 35-caliber wildcats that
came along years later. It did not achieve popularity and died out
by the end of the 1930s. Today it is largely a collectors item.
350 Griffin & Howe Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
220 SP
IMR 4350 88
3120
4762
250 SP
IMR 4831 93
2950
4848
250 SP
FL
2700
4055
Western factory load
General Comments The 350 G&H Magnum used standard
.357-inch diameter bullets and so could be handloaded with a
variety of weights and types. It is a good big game cartridge for
either North American or African hunting. However, it is obso¬
lete and the 358 Norma Magnum or one of the 35-caliber short
magnums would be a better choice. Cases are easy to make and
plenty of good bullets are available.
35 Winchester
Historical Notes Developed by Winchester for their Model
1895 lever-action rifle, the 35 Winchester was introduced in 1903.
The Remington-Lee bolt-action rifle also chambered this round. It
was discontinued in 1936 along with the Model 95 rifle. It was
listed in the 1962 British Kynoch ammunition catalogs.
General Comments The 35 Winchester is a more powerful car¬
tridge than the 33 Winchester, but is not as potent as the 348 or
the 358 Winchester. It had a good reputation as a short-range
number for elk, moose or brown bear. It is certainly powerful
enough for any North American big game, but doesn’t have much
to offer as compared to more modem calibers. It can be improved
by using modem powders, but pressures in the old 1895 lever
action should be kept down to 45,000 psi or less. This cartridge,
like the 405 Winchester, is based on the same case as the 30-40
Krag. Safe cases can be trimmed from same with the somewhat
shorter neck offset by seating bullets out as crimping is not
required in the box magazine of the M95 Winchester.
35 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 SP
IMR 4895
52
2480
2738
200 SP
IMR 4064
45
2220
2182
204
IMR 4227
18
1550
1091
Lyman #358315
250 SP
IMR 4895
50
2290
2920
250 SP
IMR 4320
48
2190
2670
250 SP
FL
2195
2670
Winchester factory load
8th Edition 113
Chapter 3
35 Newton
Historical Notes The 35 Newton was listed in the Newton Rifle
Company catalog in 1915, which presumably is the year it was
introduced. It is the 30 Newton case necked-up to 35-caliber. The
Western Cartridge Company listed it until 1936, but no commer¬
cial rifles other than the Newton chambered this round.
General Comments The 35 Newton is more powerful, in some
loadings, than the 375 H&H Magnum. The factory load listed
below was the last one offered by the Western Cartridge Compa¬
ny, but at one time other loads were available. This cartridge is
somewhat overpowered for most North American big game. It
has been used in Africa with considerable success, although the
Newton rifle was much too light and poorly stocked for such a
powerful cartridge. The only way in which cases can be made is
by necking-up the 30 Newton, itself a scarce item. Performance is
similar to the later 358 Norma Magnum which would be a far
better choice because loaded ammunition.
35 Newton Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 SP
IMR 3031
78
3030
4100
250 SP
IMR 4064
70
2650
3918
250 SP
IMR 4320
75
2815
4410
250 SP
FL
2660
3930
Western factory load
250 SP
FL
2975
4925
Western factory load
358 Norma Magnum
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed by Norma and
introduced in the U.S. in 1959. At the start no rifles were cham¬
bered for the 358 Norma Magnum. However, empty brass cases
and loaded ammunition were available. The Schultz & Larsen
Model 65 and the Husqvama bolt action were made available in
this caliber early in 1960. No American gun manufacturer cham¬
bers the cartridge. Like the 308 Norma Magnum, it is a propri¬
etary cartridge and perhaps should be listed under European
cartridges. However, it was designed for the American market
and is listed here.
General Comments The 358 Norma Magnum is a short, mag¬
num-type cartridge intended to work through standard-length
actions. It is so nearly identical to the wildcat 35 Ackley belted,
short magnum. It is also nearly identical to the wildcat 35-338,
which is the 338 Winchester necked-up to 35-caliber.
The 358 Norma Magnum delivers the same performance as
the slightly larger 375 H&H Magnum and would be suitable for
the same range of game. It is overpowered for most North Amer¬
ican big game, but would be an excellent choice for the big Kodi¬
ak bears. It is another good all-round number for the man who
wants to be prepared for hunting anything, anywhere, at any
time, whether or not rifles are in production.
358 Norma Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
180 SP
IMR 4895
69
3100
3842
Speer
200 SP
IMR 3031
66.5
2900
3736
Homady
225 SP
IMR 4350
75
2900
4203
Nosier
250 SP
IMR 4320
68
2800
4353
Hornady
250 SP
IMR 4350
76
2700
4048
Speer
250 SP
MRP
78
2500
3470
Speer
300 SP
IMR 4350
71
2600
4504
Barnes
250 SP
FL
2790
4322
Norma factory load.
35-30 Maynard (1882)
Historical Notes The 35-30 was one of the series of cartridges
designed for and introduced with the Model 1882 Maynard single
shot rifle. The Improved Hunters Rifle Nos. 7 and 9, along with
the Target & Hunting No. 10 and Improved Target No. 16 were
available in this caliber.
General Comments Maynard rifles were used during the Civil
War. After the war, the company manufactured sporting rifles.
The Maynard rifle used a tip-up breech linked to an underlever.
They were smooth operating, safe and possessed excellent accu¬
racy. The 35-30 ammunition can be made from 38-55 cases. Bul¬
lets .358-inch diameter can be sized down or used as is. The
Lyman 165-grain No. 358429 bullet can be used.
35-30 Maynard 1882 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
165 Lead
IMR 4198 16
1320
645
Lyman #350293
165 Lead
2400 13
1450
787
Lyman #350293
250 Lead
FL
1280
918
Factory load
114 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
35-40 Maynard (1882)
Historical Notes This an elongated version of the 35-30 and
used in the Model 1882 Maynard rifles.
General Comments The 35-40 provides greater powder capac¬
ity than the shorter 35-30. The case dimensions are not identical,
but brass can be made from 38-55 brass just as with the 35-30.
The long case is probably superior for hunting, but since both are
strictly small to medium game numbers, any advantage would be
more opinion than anything else. Any .358-inch rifle or revolver
bullet can be sized to work. The Lyman No. 358429 (165 grains)
would be a good choice.
35-40 Maynard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
165 Lead
IMR 4198 18
1400
725
Lyman #358429
250 Lead
FL
1355
1018
Factory load
Historical Notes One of the special Stevens “Everlasting” car¬
tridges, this one was introduced with the 1875 tip-up models. It
was not very popular and was discontinued within a few years.
Today it is one of the rarer Stevens cartridges.
General Comments Another of the 38-40 class cartridges, the
38-45 used a heavier bullet, but ballistics are similar. The 38-40
and 38-55 made most of these in-between cartridges obsolete.
Original loading called for 45 to 50 grains of Fg blackpowder and
a bullet of from 210 to 255 grains in weight. It should be possible
to convert 303 British cases to work in these rifles.
38-45 Stevens Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
210 Lead
IMR 4198 16
1340
845
Lyman #36275
210 Lead
FL
1420
947
Factory load
38-40 Remington-Hepburn
Historical Notes Although listed as the 38-40 Remington-Hep-
bum, this cartridge was available in the No. 1 Sporting Model
rolling block rifle that preceded the Hepburn action by 10 years.
The No. 1 rifle was also chambered for the 38-40 WCF shortly
after Winchester introduced it during 1873-1874. It is likely that
this cartridge was intended as a straight-case version of the bot¬
tlenecked Winchester round. The 38-40 Remington-Hepburn
appeared about 1875.
General Comments The rifle and ammunition manufacturers
went all out to please every segment of the trade during the
1800s. Some riflemen didn’t cotton to the bottlenecked cases, so
all kinds of straight, tapered and bottleneck designs appeared in
the same caliber and with the same powder charge. This may
have provided a great “lift” to the men using them, but it is very
confusing. The 38-40 Remington and 38-40 Winchester are a case
in point. Neither could do anything the other wouldn’t, but the
Winchester round won out in company with the repeating rifle.
The Remington cartridge is a good target or small to medium
game number. Original bullet is slightly heavier than the 38
WCF, but loading data for one will give similar results in the oth¬
er. It is possible to convert 30-40 Krag cases to load this cartridge.
38-40 Remington-Hepburn Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
190 Lead
IMR 4198 16
1427
865
Lyman #373164
250 Lead
2400 15
1300
937
245 Lead
FL
1200
790
Remington factory load
8th Edition 115
Chapter 3
Historical Notes This is another of the special cartridges for
the Bullard lever-action, single shot and repeating rifles. It was
introduced about 1887, but this is only an approximate date.
Remington once loaded this round, however it was never a very
popular number.
General Comments Very few rifles of this caliber are still around.
Ballistically it is similar to the 38-40 WCF. It was an accurate car¬
tridge, suitable primarily for small or medium game at close ranges.
Cartridges in this caliber are now collector’s items. It should be possi¬
ble to convert 44 Remington Magnum cases to work in these rifles.
38-45 Bullard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
175 Lead
2400 16
1480
883
Lyman #37582
250 Lead
Unique 10
1200
797
190 Lead
FL
1388
822
Remington factory load
38 Long, Centerfire (38 Long, CF)
Historical Notes The 38 Long is another old-timer designed
to replace a similar rimfire cartridge. It was introduced in
1875-76 and used in a number of single shot rifles including
the Ballard, Stevens, Remington and others. It was obsolete
by 1900, and oddly, the original rimfire version outlived the
centerfire.
General Comments The 38 Long, like the 32 and 44, was not
really very effective and had a short life. It was an alternate
choice to the rimfire and many of the old rifles could, by a simple
adjustment, fire either. The 38 Long Colt or 38 S&W Special can
be used to make ammunition for this caliber. Standard load was
20 to 25 grains of blackpowder and a 140- to 150-grain bullet.
38 Long, Centerfire Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
145 Lead
FL
950
291
Factory load
38 Ballard Extra Long
Historical Notes This centerfire version of the 38 Extra
Long rimfire was introduced in 1885-86 as one of the calibers
for the Ballard No. 2 Sporting Model. It was also used by
many other companies. It had the old No. 1 primer that has
not been made for many years. Some of these rifles were fur¬
nished with a changeable firing pin or hammer arrangement
so they could fire the rim- or centerfire version with only a
minor adjustment.
General Comments The 38 Extra Long was designed to fur¬
nish a reloadable case to those who favored the 38 Extra Long
rimfire ballistics. It was a nice little plinking, small game or tar¬
get cartridge for those who wanted economy. Any .358-inch bullet
of suitable weight can be used. Using Lyman No. 358161 (145
grains) and 31 grains of FFg blackpowder will work fine. The 357
Remington Maximum case can be converted to work in the 38
Ballard Extra Long chamber.
38 Ballard Extra Long Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 Lead
Unique 6
1160
450
Lyman #358160
146 Lead
FL
1275
533
Factory load
116 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes Introduced in 1875 for the Stevens tip-up sin¬
gle shot rifles, this was one of the special Stevens “Everlasting”
calibers. It was not very popular because it was dropped after a
few years. In its original form it is occasionally referred to as the
38-33.
General Comments Stevens “Everlasting” shells were sold as
separate components and the older, less popular numbers are sel¬
dom encountered as loaded rounds. The shells were intended for
very long reloading life and were thick and heavy. There were
about six of these special calibers that survived. Loadings were
not standard, and they may be found with a variety of bullet
weights in both grooved and paper patched form. A load of 35
grains or so of Fg blackpowder and any bullet of from 180 to 255
grains can be used in this cartridge. It should be possible to cham¬
ber and safely shoot either 41 Short Colt or the 41 Long Colt lead
bullet loads in these rifles. The softer oversize bullet will easily
swage down to bore diameter.
38-35 Stevens Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
180 Lead
Fg 35
*1350
729
215 Lead
FL (Fg 35)
1255
758
Factory load
‘Estimated
38-50 Maynard (1882)
Historical Notes The 38-50 Maynard is practically identical to
the 38-55 Ballard and Winchester and uses a bullet of similar
diameter. It was not popular because it was so similar to the Win¬
chester number.
General Comments To reload the 38-50, one can make cases
by resizing and trimming 38-55 brass and loading 38-caliber rifle
bullets sized to correct diameter. Most shooters don’t know it, but
the 38-55 would only hold 48 to 50 grains of blackpowder after
the ammunition companies began using heavier, solid head cas¬
es. For all practical purposes there is no performance difference
between the 38-50 Maynard and the 38-55.
38-50 Maynard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
149 Lead
IMR 4198 10
1100
420
Lyman #37583
250 Lead
IMR 4198 16
1320
974
Lyman #375248
255 Lead
FL
1325
990
Factory load
375 Weatherby Magnum
Historical Notes The 375 Weatherby Magnum was developed
by the late Roy Weatherby between 1944 and 1945, and was
chambered only in Weatherby rifles. There are several similar
wildcat versions, but the 375 WM had the advantage of commer¬
cial ammunition loaded by Weatherby using Norma brass.
Although brass cases are available, Weatherby no longer loads
ammunition or chambers rifles for this cartridge.
General Comments The 375 WM is a full-length, blown-out
and improved cartridge based on the 375 H&H case. It holds
more powder and delivers higher velocity with the same bullets
than the parent cartridge. It is similar to several wildcats, such as
the 375 Improved Ackley Magnum, but had the advantage of
being available on a commercial basis. It is really overpowered for
North American big game. On African game it will qualify for just
about anything and is considered a fine all-round cartridge, par¬
ticularly for dangerous game. The 270-grain bullet approximates
30-06 trajectories and is a fine long-range load for large North
American game and for thin-skinned African animals. Commer¬
cial chambers are freebored in the Weatherby tradition. This
increases the charge required to achieve any given pressure and
velocity.
375 Weatherby Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
235 SP
IMR 4064
84.0
3015
4745
Ackley
270 SP
IMR 4064
80.0
2795
4685
Ackley
300 SP
IMR 4350
86.0
2675
4770
Ackley
270 SP
FL
2940
5181
Weatherby factory load.
300 SP
FL
2800
5223
Weatherby factory load.
8th Edition 117
Chapter 3
38-50 Ballard
Historical Notes This cartridge was the forerunner of the 38-
55. It was introduced in 1876 for the Ballard Perfection No. 4 and
Pacific No. 5 rifles, but was also available in other models. It is an
“Everlasting” type case', heavier than the standard 38-55 and 3 / 16 -
inch shorter. It was replaced by the 38-55 when that cartridge
was introduced in 1884.
General Comments The standard bullet diameter for most 38-
caliber rifles was .375-inch, but many had a groove diameter of
.379-inch, requiring a larger bullet. It is wise to measure the bore
diameter before ordering a bullet mould for these old rifles.
Lyman moulds are available in a variety of 38 rifle bullets from
150 grains to over 300. Modem 38-55 brass can be used in 38-50
rifles by cutting .188-inch off the case length. Performance and
usefulness is on a par with the 38-55 (see Chapter 2).
38-50 Ballard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
145 Lead
IMR 4198 14
1300
550
Lyman #37583
250 Lead
IMR 4198 17
1350
1020
Lyman #375248
255 Lead
FL
1321
989
Factory load
38-50 Remington-Hepburn
Historical Notes Introduced in 1883 as one of the calibers for
the Remington-Hepburn match rifles, it was too similar to the
popular 38-55 to gain much of a following and was discontinued
after a few years.
General Comments Loading data for the 38-55 Winchester
and Marlin can be applied to this cartridge. There is no difference
in the use or performance of the two. It should be possible to con¬
vert 303 British or 40-40 Krag cases to work in these rifles.
38-50 Remington-Hepburn Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
255 Lead
IMR 4198 23
1580
1421
250 Lead
Unique 10
1200
797
255 Lead
FL
1320
989
Factory load
38-56 Winchester
Historical Notes Introduced in 1887 for the Model 1886 Win¬
chester repeater, it was used in the single shot and the 1895 Mar¬
lin. The 38-56 made the transition into the smokeless era and
was loaded until about 1936. The Colt New Lightning, slide-
action, magazine rifles also used this cartridge.
General Comments The design of this cartridge was intended
to develop increased velocity without lengthening the case. It is a
sort of super 38-55 in conception, but not in fact. With smokeless
powder, and within allowable pressures, there isn’t any real per¬
formance difference. It is a bottlenecked case and will not inter¬
change with others of similar designation. Although advertised
as a powerful big game number, it is little more than a deer or
black bear cartridge. With maximum handloads it might do ok for
elk at short range. Cases can be made from 45-70 brass.
38-56 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
255 Lead
IMR 3031 36
1830
1908
265 Lead
IMR 4198 25
1600
1512
Lyman #375296 GC
255 SP
FL
1395
1105
Factory load
118 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
38-90 Winchester
Express (38 Express)
Historical Notes Introduced in 1886 as one of many calibers for
the successful Winchester Model 1885 single shot, this was not a
popular cartridge, and by 1904 it had been discontinued.
General Comments This is a long, bottlenecked case with a
light bullet for cartridges of this class. Since it is designated an
“Express” caliber, it was probably intended to develop superior
velocity for a 38-caliber rifle. Old Ideal catalogs list bullet No.
375248 as standard with the No. 3 loading tool in this caliber, but
any of the lighter 38-55 bullets can be used. A charge of 90 grains
of Fg blackpowder was the original factory loading.
38-90 Winchester Express Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
218 Lead
IMR 4198 21
1350
886
Lyman #37584
218 Lead
IMR 4198 23
1470
1045
Lyman #37584
217 Lead
FL
1595
1227
Winchester factory load.
38-70 Winchester
Historical Notes Introduced in 1894 for the Model 1886 Win¬
chester lever-action repeater, the 38-70 did not catch on and was
discontinued within a few years.
General Comments This cartridge offers little if any improve¬
ment over the 38-55. It is of bottlenecked design but is not the
same as the 38-56 or the 38-72 Winchester. The older Lyman cat¬
alogs indicated it used the standard 38-55 diameter bullet of .379-
inch. Although the 38-70 case is longer than that of the 45-70,
usable, short-necked cases could be made from the 45-70. How¬
ever, the “basic” 45 cases now available will make perfect replace¬
ment cases.
38-70 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
250 Lead
IMR 4198 26
1710
1625
265 Lead
IMR 3031 41
1700
1698
255 Lead
FL
1490
1257
Factory load.
38-72 Winchester
Historical Notes Designed for, and introduced with, the Model
1895 Winchester lever-action, box magazine repeater. Both gun and
cartridge were obsolete by 1936. It was only moderately popular.
General Comments This is a nearly straight case with a very
slight neck. Some cases have a pronounced groove around the
neck to prevent the bullet from receding under recoil. This tends
to obscure the slight neck. This is another 38-caliber cartridge
touted as being very powerful when, in fact, it is nearly the same
as 38-55 (see Chapter 2). The 38-72 case has the same basic body
as the 30-40 Krag but because headspacing is on the rim, it may
not be possible to safely use that case to make the 38-72 except for
very low pressure loads.
38-72 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
255 Lead
IMR 3031
33
1735
1715
275 Lead
IMR 4198
27
1350
1120
Lyman #375167
275 Cast
Fg
72.0
Lyman #357167
275 SP
FL
1475
1330
Winchester factory load.
8th Edition 119
Chapter 3
40-50 Sharps (Straight)
Historical Notes Introduced in 1879, this is the smallest of the
Sharps cartridges. There is a similar, necked version. In addition
to Sharps rifles, the Winchester single shot was available in this
caliber as was the Remington rolling block. This is also known as
the 40-l 7 / 8 " Sharps.
General Comments Although listed as the 40-50, this car¬
tridge was actually loaded with 40 or 45 grains of powder and
was identical in performance to the 40-40 Maynard and other
similar rounds. The standard diameter of most 40-caliber rifle
bullets is .403-inch and almost any bullet of that diameter can be
used. It should be possible to convert the 30-40 Krag case to work
in these rifles.
40-50 Sharps (Straight) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
260 Lead
IMR 4198 21
1450
1220
Lyman #403169
265 Lead
FL
1410
1168
Factory load.
40-50 Sharps (Necked)
Historical Notes Also known as the 40-1 11 /^", this cartridge
was introduced in 1869 for that model Sharps Sporting rifle. It
was available with several bullet weights, including 265,285, and
296 grains. The Remington rolling block and other single shot
rifles also chambered this cartridge.
General Comments The 40-50 bottlenecked cartridge is short¬
er than the straight version, but there is little difference in ballis¬
tics. The 40-50 Sharps (Straight) and 40-50 Sharps (Necked) are
not interchangeable. Proper bullet diameter is .403-inch, and sev¬
eral Lyman bullet moulds are available in this size. This is large¬
ly a medium game, deer or intermediate-range target cartridge. It
should be possible to convert 45-70 brass to work in these rifles.
40-50 Sharps (Necked) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
260 Lead IMR4198 21 1500 1308 Lyman #403169
265 Lead FL 1460 1262 Factory load.
40-60 Marlin
Historical Notes The 40-60 is one of the calibers for Marlin
1881 and 1895 lever-action repeaters. The 1895 uses the same
basic system as the 1893 and 1894 models, but is larger and
longer. This appears to be the same case as the 40-65 Winchester,
but with a slightly different loading. The slide-action Colt New
Lightning rifles used the Marlin loading of this cartridge, too.
General Comments During the late 1800s, the same cartridge
often went under various names, depending on who loaded it or
whose rifle it was used in. It was also common practice to change
the name if you furnished more than one load or bullet in the
same case; that is what happened here. The 40-60 Marlin and the
40-65 Winchester are interchangeable and either can be used in
the same gun. However, the old Ideal catalog states the 40-60
Marlin “must not be confused with the 40-60 Winchester as they
are not the same.” This, of course, is true. If the reader isn’t thor¬
oughly confused by now, he should be. Go ahead, read it through
a few more times and it will clear up. The 45-70 case can be easi¬
ly converted for 40-60 Marlin brass.
40-60 Marlin Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
260 Lead
IMR 4198 23
1500
1308
Lyman #403170
260 Lead
IMR 3031 35
1480
1263
260 Lead
FL
1385
1115
Factory load.
120 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
40-63 and 40-70 Ballard
Historical Notes These two cartridges have identical length
and outside dimensions, so are listed together. The 40-63 is actu¬
ally just a heavier case version of the 40-70 factory cartridge.
Both are, in turn, an outgrowth of the original 40-65 Everlasting
case which had to be handloaded. The 40-63 and 40-70 were first
listed for the Ballard Perfection No. 4 and Pacific No. 5 after the
Marlin Fire Arms Company took over manufacture of these rifles
in 1881.
General Comments This was a fairly popular caliber among
Ballard rifle fans and was as good as similar cartridges offered by
Winchester and others. However, cartridges designed for repeat¬
ing rifles tended to survive longer than those intended for single
shots. These were more match cartridges than anything else, but
they also made good deer, black bear or elk numbers. Their per¬
formance is identical to the 40-70 Sharps Straight or the 40-72
Winchester. The 444 Marlin case should work in these rifles.
40-63/40-70 Ballard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
330 Lead IMR4198 22 1310 1260 Lyman #403149—1/20 or 1/30 tin-lead.
330 Lead_FL_1335 1318 Factory load
Historical Notes The 40-65 Ballard Everlasting was intro¬
duced in 1876 as one of the original calibers for the Perfection No.
4 and Pacific No. 5 rifles, and in 1879 it was added to the Hunter
No. IV 2 . These were all the same basic, under-lever, single shot
action. This cartridge was used in the J.M. Marlin Ballards, and
after the Marlin Fire Arms Co. took over, it was altered to the 40-
70 and 40-63.
General Comments The 40-70 or 40-63 Ballard can be fired in
the older 40-65 rifles, but the 40-65 case will not fit the other
chamber. It is a much heavier case of slightly larger diameter,
although all have the same length. The ballistics of all of these
are the same for practical purposes, and the loading data shown
for the 40-63 will give the same results in any of the cases. The
40-65 Everlasting is one of the rarer Ballard cartridges and is sel¬
dom encountered. It should be possible to convert the 45-70 case
to work in these rifles.
40-70 Sharps (Straight)
Historical Notes This is the 40-2V2" straight case introduced in
1876. It is sometimes referred to as the 40-65 because with heavy
reloadable cases that is all the powder it would hold unless a
lighter bullet was used. Remington and Winchester single shots
also chambered this round.
General Comments This is another cartridge with ballistics
similar to a half-dozen others of different make or origin. There
are actually more than a dozen 40-caliber cartridges with powder
charges of from around 40 to 70 grains, and none offer any stu¬
pendous advantage over the others. Like other 40 Sharps num¬
bers, this one used a .403-inch diameter bullet, weighing 330 or
370 grains. There are a number of Lyman moulds available in
this size. Although longer, this case has the same basic body as
the 30-40 Krag. But because headspacing is on the rim, it may
not be possible to safely use that case to make the 40-70 except for
very low pressure loads.
40-70 Sharps (Straight) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
330 Lead IMR4198 23 1250 1150 Lyman #403149
330 Lead_FL_1258 1160 Factory load
8 th Edition 121
Chapter 3
40-70 Sharps (Necked)
Historical Notes This is the 40-2 V/ bottlenecked Sharps that
was brought out in 1871 for the Model 1871 Sporting rifle. It was
used in other single shot rifles also.
General Comments The 40-70 necked cartridge had a reputa¬
tion for fine accuracy and was popular as a match cartridge as
much as for hunting. While many people regard the Sharps rifles
as strictly buffalo guns, Sharps also made match rifles that
gained worldwide respect on the range. Whence the name,
Sharps-shooter. The best shots were given Sharps rifles in a spe¬
cial squad and their notoriety grew until the single word “sharp¬
shooter” was synonymous with accurate rifle fire. It should be
possible to convert the 45-70 case to work in these rifles but the
neck would be very short. The 45 Basic will make perfect cases.
40-70 Sharps (Necked) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
330 Lead
IMR 4759 26
1510
1671
330 Lead
IMR 4198 27
1450
1542
Lyman #403139
330 Lead
FL
1420
1482
Factory load
40-85 Ballard
40-90 Ballard
Historical Notes The 40-85 and the 40-90 Ballard are the same
case with different loadings. L.D. Satterlee lists the 40-90 Ever¬
lasting with the J.M. Marlin Ballard Pacific No. 5 and Sporting
No. 472 (introduced in 1878). He shows the 40-85 chambering for
the Pacific No. 5 after the Marlin Fire Arms Co. took over manu¬
facture in 1881.
General Comments The 40-90 Everlasting is heavier and
about 78-inch longer than the regular 40-90 or 40-85 brass. Many
of the 40-90 Everlasting cases were nickeled. This is a hunting
cartridge very similar to the 40-90 Sharps straight. The same
loading data can be used for both, however they are not inter¬
changeable. Although the case of the 40-85 Ballard is longer, it
has the same basic body as the 444 Marlin case. It should be pos¬
sible to make usable, albeit shorter, cases from those.
40-85/40-90 Ballard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
370 Lead
IMR 4198 28
1400
1615
Lyman #40395
370 Lead
FL
1427
1672
Factory load
40-90 Sharps (Straight)
Historical Notes Sharps catalogs do not list this cartridge
although Sharps rifles (and others) chambered for it are known.
It was introduced about 1885. The Remington-Hepbum No. 3 sin¬
gle shot was advertised in this caliber and UMC and Winchester
manufactured cases and ammunition.
General Comments The so-called “Everlasting,” or reloadable
case, was popular with hunters and target shooters during the
1880-90 period. These heavy cases could be used over and over
many times. In fact, they were made so heavy that the powder
capacity was often reduced by 5 or 10 grains. To get around this,
the “Everlasting” case was often made longer than the standard.
UMC cases of 40-374-inch-caliber are almost always of very
heavy, reloadable construction.
The reason for mentioning this is that it might have a bearing
on the origin of this cartridge. Physical measurements of the so-
called 40-90 Sharps Straight are practically identical to the 40-
90 Ballard, except for the length. It is possible that the design of
the 40-90 Sharps straight is based on lengthening the Ballard
cartridge to create an “Everlasting’’ version with the same capac¬
ity and ballistics. Anyway, the idea is worth mentioning and
would probably occur to anyone who compared the two. Although
longer, this case has the same basic body as the 444 Marlin. It
should be possible to make usable, albeit shorter, cases from
those.
40-90 Sharps (Straight) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
370 Lead IMR4198 30 1400 1612 Lyman #403171
370 Lead FL 1387 1582 Factory load
122 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
40-90 Sharps (Necked)
Historical Notes The 40-90 Sharps was introduced in 1873 for
the Sharps side-hammer model rifles. There was also another
loading, referred to as the 40-100 Sharps, that had a 190-grain
hollowpoint bullet. There is no difference in the 2 5 /s-inch case,
however.
General Comments This became one of the more popular
Sharps cartridges. The hollowpoint Express bullets made by
Sharps were designed to accept a 22 rimfire blank, which was
supposed to provide explosive expansion and better knockdown.
The author has experimented with bullets of this type, and they
don’t work as they are intended to. An ordinary hollowpoint or a
properly constructed softpoint will do as much damage. Perfect
cases can be made from the 45 Basic brass.
40-90 Sharps (Necked) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
370 Lead IMR 4198 28 1450 1735 Lyman #403171
370 Lead FL 1475 1800 Factory load
40-110 Winchester
Express (40 Express)
Historical Notes Designed for the Winchester single shot rifle General Comments In its original form, the 40-110 used a copper-
and introduced in 1886, the 40-110 was intended to compete with tubed bullet. The Ideal catalog lists bullet No. 403169 (260 grains) as
the big Sharps cartridges. proper for reloading. The 50 Basic will make perfect cases.
40-110 Winchester Express Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
260 Lead
FG 110
1617
1509
260 Lead
IMR 4198 32
1650
1580
Lyman #403169
260 SP
FL
1617
1509
Winchester factory load
40-60 Winchester
Historical Notes The 40-60 Winchester is a sharply-tapered,
slightly-necked cartridge for the Model 1876 Winchester rifle,
which is a heavier version of the lever-action Model 1873
designed to handle more powerful cartridges. Rifle and car¬
tridge were marketed from 1876 until 1897. This was a fairly
popular caliber and Winchester continued to load it up to
1934.
General Comments The big powerful cartridges available for
the Sharps and other single shot rifles forced Winchester to bring
out a more efficacious line for their repeaters. The cartridges for
the Centennial Model were the beginning of such a trend. This is
not the same as the 40-60 Marlin. It is a better hunting caliber
than the old 44-40 WCF. The 45-70 case can be easily converted
to 40-60 Winchester brass.
40-60 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
210 Lead IMR 4198 21 1520 1083 Lyman #403168
210 Lead_FL_1562 1138 Winchester factory load
8th Edition 123
Chapter 3
40-70 Winchester
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed for the Model
1886 Winchester repeater and also used in the Winchester single
shot. It was introduced in 1894, but never became popular or
widely used. The Marlin Model 1895 repeating rifle was also
available in this caliber.
General Comments This is a bottlenecked case generally sim¬
ilar to the 38-70 Winchester. It provides a larger, heavier bullet in
a cartridge suitable to the same action as the 38-caliber. This case
is not the same as that of the 40-72 Winchester. However, the bal¬
listics are nearly identical. It should be possible to convert the 45-
70 case to work in these rifles but the neck would be short. The 45
Basic will make perfect cases.
40-70 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
330 Lead
IMR 4759 26
1540
1738
330 Lead
IMR 4198 25
1380
1050
Lyman #406150
330 Lead
FL
1383
1333
Factory load
40-70 Remington
Historical Notes Although listed as the 40-70 Remington, this
cartridge is really Remington’s version of the 40-70 Sharps
necked. The Remington rolling block No. 1 Sporting Model cham¬
bered it and so did the Hepburn No. 3. It was added to the Rem¬
ington line in 1880.
General Comments Two versions of this cartridge were avail¬
able; the regular brass case and a special reloading case with a
brass body and steel head. The steel head fastened to the brass
body with an inside screw, which served as a primer anvil and
also had the flash hole drilled through it. Steel head cases in
1880! There really is nothing new under the sun. The 40-70 was
more of a match than a hunting cartridge. It should be possible to
convert the 45-70 case to work in these rifles but the neck would
be very short. The 45 Basic will make perfect cases.
40-70 Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
330 Lead
IMR 4198 27
1450
1542
Lyman #403139
330 Lead
FL
1420
1482
Remington factory load
40-65 Winchester
Historical Notes The 40-65 Winchester & Marlin was intro¬
duced in 1887 for the Model 1886 Winchester rifle. The Winches¬
ter single shot also chambered it and so did the Marlin Model
1895. The 40-65 Winchester was loaded in both black and smoke¬
less versions and Winchester catalogs listed it to 1935.
General Comments The 40-65 was a further effort to put more
steam in the repeating rifles’ cartridges so they would be competi¬
tive with similar single shot cartridges. This one, reasonably pop¬
ular, continued for almost 50 years. Rifles of this caliber are fairly
common and ammunition can be made by reforming 45-70 brass.
40-65 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
260 Lead
IMR 4198
23
1500
1308
Lyman #403169
260 Lead
IMR 3031
44
1720
1708
260 Lead
FL
1420
1165
Factory load
260 Lead
XMP 5744
26.0
1651
1573
Accurate Arms
300 Lead
XMP 5744
24.0
1515
1528
Accurate Arms
124 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes Introduced for and with the Winchester Mod¬
el 1895 lever-action, box magazine repeater, the 40-72 wasn’t
very popular, but was loaded until 1936.
General Comments This cartridge uses a smaller diameter
bullet 30 grains heavier than the much more powerful 405 Win¬
chester. The latter was preferred by most purchasers of the Mod¬
el 1895. Blackpowder cartridges of the 1890s suffered from com¬
petition with the new smokeless powder cartridges. Most black-
powder cartridges of that era didn’t have a chance to establish
any degree of popularity. Although longer, this case has the same
basic body as the 30-40 Krag. But because headspacing is on the
rim, it may not be possible to safely use that case to make the 40-
72 except for very low pressure loads.
40-72 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
330 Lead
IMR 3031 40
1435
1510
Lyman #406150
300 Lead
non |
FL
1425
1350
Winchester factory load
330 Lead
FL
1407
1451
Winchester factory load
40-82 Winchester
Historical Notes Introduced in 1885 for the Winchester single
shot and also available for the Model 1886 lever-action repeater,
this cartridge was popular enough to make the transition into the
smokeless powder era. It was loaded up to 1935.
General Comments The 40-82 WCF gained a favorable repu¬
tation on elk and heavy game. It developed a higher muzzle veloc¬
ity than many other blackpowder cartridges which made it easier
to hit over unknown distances. Despite the relative popularity,
rifles in this caliber are seldom encountered. Most of the original
single shots and Model 1886s have been rebarreled to some more
modem caliber. It should be possible to convert the 45-70 case to
work in these rifles but the neck would be very short. The 45
Basic will make perfect cases.
40-82 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
260 Lead IMR4198 28 1425 1180 Lyman #403169
260 Lead_FL_1490_1285_Winchester factory load
401 Winchester Self-Loading (401 WSL)
Historical Notes The 401 was introduced by Winchester in
1910 for their new Model 10 autoloading rifle, which was a minor
modification of the Model 1907. Both the cartridge and the rifle
were discontinued in 1936, but the ammunition was loaded by
most ammunition companies until after WWII. It is another obso¬
lete “Self-Loading” cartridge.
General Comments The 401 is the most powerful of the Win¬
chester autoloading line, and the only one suitable for deer. The
401 found favor with many hunters as a quick, short-range num¬
ber for hunting deer and black bear. Velocity is too low and the
trajectory too high for this to be a useful cartridge for anything
but woods and brush use. It can be reloaded, but like all car¬
tridges used in semi-auto guns, it is necessary to stick to the fac¬
tory ballistics or the rifle action may not function properly. Proper
bullet diameter is .406-inch.
401 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 SP
2400
24.7
1915
1625
Lyman
212 Lead
IMR 4227
29.0
2074
2025
Lyman
240 Lead
IMR 4227
27.5
1968
2150
Lyman
200 SP
FL
2135
2020
Winchester factory load
250 SP
FL
1870
1940
Winchester factory load
8th Edition 125
Chapter 3
Historical Notes Made for the Peabody-Martini rifles (made by the
Providence Tool Co.), this is one of a series of cartridges named for the
“What Cheer” rifle range outside Providence, Rhode Island opened in
1875. The first of the Peabody sporting and target rifles was said to
have been exhibited at the opening celebration. The 40-70 cartridge
actually wasn’t introduced until 1877 or 1878. The Union Metallic
Cartridge Co. loaded the round and so did Winchester.
40-70 Peabody “What Cheer” Loading Data and Factory Ballistics _
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
330 Lead IMR4198 22 1350 1340 Lyman #406150
380 Lead FL 1420 1710_Factory load
General Comments This is an odd-shaped cartridge with a
long, tapered shoulder and short body. Most samples have
Berdan priming. Bullet diameter is .408-inch, but most .406-
inch bullets are cast sufficiently oversize to meet this diame¬
ter. This is not a common cartridge in collections, and rifles of
this caliber are rare.
40-90 Peabody
“What Cheer”
Historical Notes This unusually shaped cartridge was for
the Peabody-Martini Rifle No. 3, introduced in 1877-78. This
rifle was a fancy model similar to the No. 2 “Creedmoor,”
but designated the “What Cheer,” in line with the Peabody
policy of naming their rifles after famous target ranges of
the day.
General Comments The 40-90 Peabody is a bottlenecked case
similar to the other “What Cheer” cartridges. This was a popular
match cartridge until the early 1900s. Proper bullet diameter is
.408-inch. Bullets intended for the 405 Winchester cam be sized
down and used in this round. No one lists a mould for a 500-grain
bullet of this caliber.
40-90 Peabo dy “What Cheer” Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
330 Lead IMR4198 27 1450 1550 Lyman #406150
500 Lead FL 1250 1735 Factory load
405 Winchester
.4-05 WINCHESTER
MODEL 1895
SOFT POINT
Historical Notes The 405 is another of the rimmed cartridges
developed for the Winchester Model 1895 lever-action rifle. Intro¬
duced in 1904, the rifle became obsolete in 1936. The Winchester
single shot also chambered the 405, and a number of double rifles
were turned out in this caliber in England and Europe. The Rem¬
ington-Lee bolt-action rifle was available in 405-caliber between
1904 and 1906. The old Eley-Kynoch catalog lists the 405 Win¬
chester with a 300-grain softpoint bullet and standard factory
ballistics.
General Comments The 405 Winchester is the most powerful
rimmed cartridge ever developed for the lever-action rifle. It is
adequate for any North American big game at short- to medium-
range and has been used successfully in Africa on all species. In
the old Model 1895 Winchester, with its curved buttplate and
poorly-designed stock, it had a reputation for punishing recoil.
Theodore Roosevelt used the 405 in Africa and thought very high¬
ly of it as a lion cartridge. However, John Taylor in his excellent
book, African Rifles and Cartridges , rates it as a poor choice com¬
pared to other available calibers for African use. The short, fat
300-grain round-nosed bullet loses velocity rapidly and lacks the
sectional density necessary for deep penetration of heavy game.
Nevertheless, it is quite adequate for any North American ani¬
mals at ranges of 100 to 150 yards. Although longer, this case has
the same basic body as the 30-40 Krag. But because headspacing
is on the rim it is not possible to safely use that case to make 405s
except for very low pressure loads, which I have done. With mod¬
em jacketed pistol bullets one can thus make perfectly adequate
short-range deer loads.
405 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
290 Cast
IMR 3031 40.0
1500
1449
Lyman #412263
300 SP
IMR 4895 56
2230
3321
300 SP
IMR 3031 57
2250
3380
300 SP
FL
2200
3220
Winchester factory load
126 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
40-75 Bullard
Proper cast bullet diameter is .413-inch, which is slightly larger
than many of the other 40-caliber cartridges which used a bullet
of .403-inch. The old Bullard catalog states that the 40-60 Marlin
can be fired in guns of the above caliber. If so, then the 40-65
WCF could also be used, as it is the same case as the Marlin
round. It should be possible to convert the 45-70 case to work in
these rifles.
40-75 Bullard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
260 Lead
Fg 75
1513
1315
Lyman #412174
260 Lead
IMR 4198 20
1500
1302
Lyman #412174
258 Lead
FL
1513
1315
Factory load
Historical Notes Introduced in 1887 for the Bullard lever-
action repeating rifle and also available for the single shot, the
40-75 was the same case with a different bullet weight and pow¬
der charge as the 40-60 Bullard.
General Comments This is a big game cartridge similar in per¬
formance to the 40-60 Marlin or the 40-65 Winchester. The Win¬
chester cartridge achieved the greatest popularity of the three.
40-90 Bullard
Historical Notes This rather odd bottlenecked cartridge was
developed for the Bullard single shot and repeating rifles, intro¬
duced in 1886-87. Both Winchester and Remington manufac¬
tured this round for a number of years.
General Comments This is a rather large, fat cartridge with
ballistics similar to other 40-caliber cartridges of the period such
as the 40-82 Winchester. There was not a lot to choose from
regarding performance with any of them. The cartridges designed
by the big manufacturers for their rifles were more widely adver¬
tised and distributed, and consequently won the popularity race.
Cartridges like the Bullard line gradually faded into the back¬
ground. The 40-90 Bullard was undoubtedly an effective big game
caliber, particularly if the now-rare 400-grain loading was used. It
should be possible to convert the 348 case to work in these rifles.
40-90 Bullard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
300 Lead
Fg 90
1569
1648
Lyman #415175
300 Lead
IMR 4198 29
1450
1405
Lyman #415175
300 Lead
FL
1569
1648
Factory load
Historical Notes A cartridge for the Maynard 1882 rifle,
Improved Hunting or Target No. 9 and the Mid Range Target or
Hunting No. 10, it was advertised as a combination hunting and
target caliber.
General Comments In performance, the 40-40 is similar to the
44-40 WCF. Maynard made only two bullet weights in 40-caliber;
the 330-grain was intended for the longer 40-60, but was some¬
times used in the 40-40. Bullet diameter of these cartridges is not
the same as the .403-inch of most Sharps and Winchester cal¬
ibers. The Maynard Company sold moulds or factory-made bul¬
lets for their rifles. The 40-caliber diameter is usually .415- to
.417-inch in these Maynards. It should be possible to convert the
303 British case to work in these rifles.
40-40 Maynard 1882 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
260 Lead
IMR 4198 24
1400
1140
Lyman #413174
270 Lead
FL
1425
1222
330 Lead
FL
1260
1168
Factory load.
8th Edition 127
Chapter 3
Historical Notes This is an intermediate-range match car¬
tridge for the 1882 Maynard Models 10,12 and 13 Hunting and
the Models 15-16 Target rifles. It does not use the same case as
the longer 40-70 Maynard.
General Comments The 40-60 Maynard is an elongated ver¬
sion of the 40-40 and differs mainly in the longer case length.
Unfortunately, it duplicated the performance of similar Marlin,
Sharps and Winchester cartridges, and for that reason, it did not
become popular or widely used. It should be possible to convert
the 303 British case to work in these rifles.
40-60 Maynard 1882 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
300 Lead IMR4198 26 1370 1248
330 Lead FL 1370 1380
Source
Lyman #413175
Factory load
Historical Notes One of three 40-caliber cartridges for the
1882-type Maynard single shot rifle, which was available in both
target and hunting models.
General Comments Some publications show the 40-70 May¬
nard to be the same as the 40-60, but with a different load. Others
indicate that it is identical except for length. As a matter of fact,
it has a little longer case (.21-inch) with a slightly larger rim and
base diameter. The 40-60 can be fired in a 40-70 chamber, but the
reverse is not true. In overall length, this is the shorter of the two
cartridges because of the fighter bullet seated farther down in the
case. This is more of a hunting cartridge, even though it was also
available in the target rifle models. It should be possible to con¬
vert the 303 British case to work in these rifles.
40-70 Maynard (1882) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
260 Lead IMR4198 27 1450 1211 Lyman#413174
270 Lead FL 1645 1620_Factory load
Historical Notes This is the cartridge for the various Old Mod¬
el Evans rifles introduced in 1875. Winchester loaded the ammu¬
nition until the early 1920s.
General Comments The Evans rifle was designed for military
use, but when it was turned down by the U.S. Ordnance Depart¬
ment, it was manufactured as a sporting number. The Evans had
a magazine capacity of 34 cartridges held in the four-column
tubular magazine located in the butt. It was an odd-looking lever-
action rifle. Evans rifles were once fairly common items and box
lots of ammunition could be purchased until 1940-41. It is not a
particularly strong action, so use blackpowder loads. A load of 28
grains of Fg or FFg was used in the original round. Cases can be
made by cutting off 303 Savage cases and perhaps thinning the
rim as required. (As in similar rim thinning situations pistol
primers may have to be used, but those are preferable in almost
every blackpowder or blackpowder pressure load anyway.)
44 Evans Short Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
215 Lead FL 850 350 Winchester factory load
128 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
44 Evans Long
Historical Notes The 44 Evans Long was developed for the
1877 New Model Evans sporting rifle. It is sometimes referred to
as the 44-40 Straight or the 44-40-300 because of its different
loadings.
General Comments The New Model Evans rifle was similar to
the Old Model except for the change to a longer, more powerful
cartridge. The magazine capacity was only (!) 26 rounds com¬
pared to 34 for the Old Model. Again, this is not a strong action,
so it is advisable to use only blackpowder loads. The cartridge
was loaded with 275- to 300-grain bullets and 40 to 43 grains of
blackpowder. Although this case is somewhat larger in diameter,
usable cases might be made by cutting off 303 Savage cases as
with the the Henry Flat Center Fire Flat. As with all similar
numbers, it is best to load only with blackpowder or Pyrodex.
44 Evans Long Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
280 Lead FL 1200 903 Factory load
44 Henry Center Fire Flat
Historical Notes This is a centerfire version of the rimfire 44
Henry Flat. It is believed to have been a special cartridge manu¬
factured for the final lot of 1866 Henry rifles made by Winchester.
Since the rifle was discontinued in 1873, it would be reasonable to
assume the above cartridge was developed about that time.
General Comments Rifles for this cartridge are extremely
rare. The 1866 Henry rifle was not very strong, and if anyone has
one of them and wants to shoot it, stick to blackpowder. The prop¬
er charge is 26 or 28 grains of FFg or FFFg. Bullets for the 44-40
WCF can be used. Cases can be made by cutting off 303 Savage
cases and, perhaps thinning the rim, as required. (As in similar
rim thinning situations, pistol primers may have to be used, but
these are preferable in almost every blackpowder or blackpowder
pressure load anyway.)
44 Henry Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 Lead
FL
1150
594
Factory load
227 Lead
FL
1200
Factory load
44 Game Getter
44-40 Marlin
44 Colt Lightning
Historical Notes In 1908, Marble Arms Corp. introduced their
Game Getter, a double-barrel, over/under pistol with a removable
skeleton buttstock. The upper barrel was rifled and chambered
for the 22 rimfire cartridge; the lower barrel was smoothbore and
chambered for the 44 Shot cartridge. The introduction of this pis¬
tol bolstered the popularity of the several varieties of 44 Shot car¬
tridges.
The Stevens Model 101 “Featherweight” rifle (1914-16) cham¬
bered this caliber as well as the 44XL and 44 WCF shot car¬
tridges. The 44 WCF Shot cartridge was a crimped case with
cardboard wadding; others were loaded with a wood or paper
“bullet” that enclosed the shot. The Marble catalog of 1914 stated,
“Shot cartridges with paper or wooden ends are especially adapt¬
ed to rifled barrels. However, they can be used in the Game Get¬
ter, but give uncertain results.” UMC loaded a 44 Round Ball
cartridge before the introduction of the Game Getter, using 34
grains of blackpowder and a 115-grain round lead ball bullet.
This combination of gun and cartridge became very popular and
Winchester and U.S. Ammunition Co. began to offer it, calling it
the 44 Game Getter.
General Comments The 44-40 is, of course, still loaded today,
but during its life span as a blackpowder cartridge (and the early
smokeless days) it was available in a variety of loads that are now
obsolete.
The standard load of 40 grains of blackpowder and a 200-grain
bullet of the 44 WCF was altered slightly (a 217-grain bullet was
used) and the resulting cartridge was called the 44-40 Marlin or
the 44 Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle. All are nothing more than
load variations on the standard 44-40 Winchester; some rifles
may require shorter overall cartridge lengths.
Also obsolete today are the high-velocity smokeless powder
loads that were offered for rifles with stronger actions.
8th Edition 129
Chapter 3
44-40 Extra Long
General Comments The 44-40 Extra Long is listed in various
publications and sample rounds are fairly common. It has a
longer body and neck than the standard 44-40 WCF. The author
was unable to find any record of what gun it is for. It is listed so
the reader will not confuse it with the straight Ballard or Wes¬
son Extra Long 44 cartridges. They are not the same. Some
believe this is the 44-40 shot case with a conical bullet. Accord¬
ing to William R. Small of Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, the
Stevens Model 101 “Featherweight” rifle (1914 to 1916) cham¬
bered this round as well as the 44XL and 44 WCF shot car¬
tridges. Cases can be made by shortening and necking 444
Marlin cases.
44 Long Centerfire (Ballard)
Historical Notes The 44 Long CF, was introduced in 1875-76
as one of the calibers for the J.M. Marlin Ballard Sporting Rifle
No. 2. It was also used in a number of other single shot rifles,
including those of Frank Wesson. It was replaced by the 44 Extra
Long CF, before both were phased out by the more popular 44-40
WCF. It is the centerfire equivalent of the 44 Long rimfire.
General Comments This is a more or less transitional car¬
tridge from the rimfire to the better centerfires. Most early
breechloading rifles were developed for rimfire cartridges and it
was a simple matter to bring out a similar centerfire for the same
rifle. This allowed the shooter to reload, however most of these
cartridges were no more effective than the rimfire they replaced
so they didn’t last long. Ammunition for old rifles of this caliber
can be made from 44 S&W Special brass, but stick to blackpow-
der in loading. Original load used 35 grains of blackpowder and a
227-grain bullet. Muzzle velocity was low, only about 1100 to
1200 fps. As with the 44 Evans Long, Short or Henry Flat Center
Fire, cases can be made by cutting off 303 Savage cases.
44 Extra Long Ballard
Historical Notes This cartridge is sometimes fisted simply as
the 44 Extra Long. It is a straight case and is the centerfire ver¬
sion of the 44 Rimfire Extra Long. As near as can be determined,
it was introduced in 1876 for the J.M. Marlin Ballard Sporting
Rifle No. 2. It was only available for a few years, before being
replaced in the Ballard rifles by the 44-40 WCF. Rifles of this cal¬
iber are rare today.
General Comments The 44 Extra Long was not a popular Bal¬
lard number because there were too many better 44-caliber car¬
tridges available. The 44-40 WCF was already popular by the
time the Ballard round hit the market and the 44 Extra Long was
available only in the single shot. It did, however, provide a reload¬
able case for those used to the 44 E.L. rimfire and quite a few of
the old rimfire rifles were probably converted to use the centerfire
type. Remington loaded this with 50 grains of blackpowder and a
265-grain bullet. Cases can be made by cutting off 303 Savage
cases as mentioned in the discussion about the 44 Henry Flat
Center Fire.
44 Extra Long Ballard Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
265 Lead FL 1320 1030 Remington factory load
44 Wesson Extra Long
Historical Notes Made for the Frank Wesson tip-up rifles, this
cartridge appears to be identical to the 44 Extra Long Ballard
except for the shape of the bullet. The Wesson bullet shows two
grease grooves when loaded in the case while the Ballard shows
only one.
General Comments Many of the Wesson tip-up rifles were fur¬
nished with a patented adjustable hammer, permitting the use of
both rim- and centerfire cartridges. Lyman No. 419182 (240-grain)
or 424100 (170-grain) bullets can be adapted to this cartridge.
Original load used 48 to 50 grains of blackpowder. Wesson rifles in
this caliber are very rare. As discussed with the 44 Henry Flat
Center Fire, cases can be made by cutting off 303 Savage cases.
44 Wesson Extra Long Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
250-257 Lead
FL
1340
1010
Factory load
130 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
44-90 Remington Special
(Necked)
Historical Notes The 44-90 Remington Special looks like the
44-90 Sharps, but on closer inspection it has a shorter case with
slightly larger body diameter so they are not interchangeable.
The 40-90 was introduced as a match cartridge for the Remington
rolling block Creedmoor series in 1873. Remington catalogs listed
empty cases and bullets of this caliber as late as 1910.
General Comments The 44-77 Sharps had a 2V 4 -inch case, the
44-90 Sharps a 2 5 /s-inch case. The 44-90 Remington Special case
was 2 7 /i6 inches or 2.44 inches long. The Remington cartridge was
regularly loaded with a 550-grain patched or lubricated lead bul¬
let which is heavier than the normal bullet used in Sharps car¬
tridges. Remington probably designed their 44-90 so they could
use a heavy bullet and 90 grains of powder without increasing the
overall length of the cartridge. The loaded length is actually less
than the similar Sharps cartridges. This is primarily a match car¬
tridge, but would also be effective on almost any big game.
Lighter bullets and more powder could be used to increase black-
powder ballistics for hunting. It might be possible to form 45-70
cases to work in these rifles but the neck would be very short.
Usable cases can be formed from the Basic 45.
40-90 Remington Special Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
470 Lead
IMR 4198
30
1270
1688
Lyman #446187
470 Lead PP
Fg
90
Early factory load, paper patch
550 Lead
Fg
90
1250
1812
Remington factory load
44-95 Peabody
“What Cheer”
Historical Notes The 44-95 Peabody also had a 100-grain
loading and was referred to as the 44-100 Peabody on occasion. It
is the largest of the Peabody “What Cheer” cartridges. It was the
original caliber for the Peabody-Martini Long-Range Creedmoor
Rifle. The straight stock version was the No. 3 “What Cheer” and
eventually the cartridge was given this name. Some authorities
say it was introduced in 1877, but it may have made its debut as
early as 1875. It was popular primarily as a target round.
General Comments Peabody and Peabody-Martini rifles were
manufactured by the Providence Tool Company of Providence,
Rhode Island. The action was patented by H.L. Peabody of
Boston, Massachusetts in 1862. Peabody-Martini military rifles
were manufactured for the Turkish government during 1873 and
something like 600,000 were delivered. The original Peabody piv¬
oting block action had a sidehammer, but the Swiss Martini mod¬
ification did away with this, employing an internal lock. The
British Martini-Henry rifle is based on this modified American
design. This is one of the strongest of the old single shot actions.
44-95 Peabody “What Cheer” Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
470 Lead
Fg 100
1380
1990
Lyman #446187
470 Lead
IMR 4759 21
1380
1990
Lyman #446187
550 Lead
FL
1310
2100
Factory load
44-70 Maynard (1882)
Historical Notes Introduced for the 1882-type Maynard single
shot rifle, the 44-70 was also available for the Hunters Model No.
11 and the Creedmoor No. 14 match rifle.
General Comments The 44-70 Maynard is a 44-caliber version
of the popular 45-70 Government military round. Many riflemen
of the late 1880s preferred the 44-caliber over the larger 45 bore,
though there is little difference in bore dimensions. The Maynard
company furnished a 430-grain bullet for hunting and general
shooting and a 520-grain for target work. Although somewhat too
short, 45-70 cases will work in these rifles.
44-70 Maynard (1882) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
470 Lead IMR4198 26 1300 1768 Lyman #446187
430 Lead_FL 1310 1640 Factory load
8th Edition 131
Chapter 3
44-75 Ballard Everlasting
Historical Notes The 44-75 is one of the rare Ballard cases. Sel¬
dom found in collections and not mentioned in most cartridge
books, L.D. Satterlee* lists it as available for the J.M. Marlin Bal¬
lard Perfection No. 4, Pacific No. 5 and Schuetzen No. 6, all intro¬
duced in 1876. He gives the case length as 2V4-inches.t The
caliber is not listed in the Marlin Fire Arms Co. after they began
*op. tit.
**More Single Shot Rifles (New York, 1959).
tJohn T. Amber owned a fine No. 7 Ballard in 44-75 caliber, complete in
case with hunting and target sights, etc., and including a score or more of
cases. All of these were 2 V 2 inches long, not 2 l U inches, and were Berdan-
primed Everlasting type.
making Ballard rifles in 1881. James J. Grant** says this was
one of the special Marlin Everlasting cases using the shallow
Berdan-type #2 primer similar to the 40-65. He also has speci¬
mens using Large Rifle primers.
General Comments The 44-75-2 1 /2-inch can be made by trim¬
ming and sizing Sharps 45-2 6 /i6-inch brass. It must have been
intended as both a target and hunting cartridge since it was
available in rifles of both types. Marlin and Ballard catalogs fist¬
ed a patched 405-grain, 44-caliber bullet which was probably one
of the weights used in the 44-75. Bullets for 44-caliber Sharps
cartridges of .446-inch diameter can be adapted to the 44-75 Bal¬
lard. No factory ballistics are available, so it is probable that only
empty cases and bullets were furnished.
44-100 Ballard
Historical Notes The 44-100 Ballard Everlasting was one of
the calibers introduced with the various J.M. Marlin Ballard
rifles. It is first fisted for the 1876 Model Pacific No. 5 and Long
Range No. 7A. It was discontinued about 1880 and does not
appear as a standard caliber in the later Marlin Fire Arms Co.
catalogs. However, the 1888 Marlin & Ballard catalog again
fists the brass shells under obsolete sizes at 12 cents each. The
45-100 Ballard that came out at a later date is based on this
same case with the neck reamed out to accept the larger diame¬
ter bullet.
General Comments This is another rare Ballard cartridge. It
was an accurate target number and had considerable knockdown
power for big game. Ballard rifles were manufactured by several
companies. The best known of these were made by the Marlin
Fire Arms Co. after it was incorporated in 1881. Most of their
models and cartridges are not particularly scarce. John M. Marlin
organized the Marlin Fire Arms Co., but prior to that he turned
out Ballard rifles under the name of J.M. Marlin (1875 to 1881).
The first Ballard arms were for rimfire cartridges, and these were
introduced by Ball & Williams in 1861, and continued until 1866
under their brand. From 1866 to 1869, they were made by Merri¬
mack Arms & Manufacturing Co. and from 1869 to 1873 by
Brown Manufacturing Co. Some of these early models and car¬
tridges are rare and valuable. Although the 44-100 Ballard is
larger and somewhat longer in diameter, it might be possible to
form 45-70 cases to work in these rifles. Basic 45s could be cut to
the proper length. In either case one might have to turn down the
rim to fit the chamber.
44-100 Ballard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
365 Lead
Fg 110
1500
1830
Lyman #446109
365 Lead
IMR 4198 26
1350
1480
Lyman #446109
535 Lead
FL
1400
2328
Factory load
44-100 Wesson
Historical Notes As with the 44-85 Wesson, this one was found
on a U.S. Cartridge Company advertising sheet printed in 1881-
82. This is also a straight case with the length fisted as 3 3 /8 inch¬
es. The bullet is seated deeply so the total length of the loaded
cartridge is 3 9 /io inches. The load is given as 100 or 120 grains of
blackpowder with a 550-grain paper patched bullet.
General Comments What date and what rifle? There is no
information given on this. As previously stated, all 44-caliber
Sharps cartridges are necked, and perhaps this is intended as the
straight case counter to the necked 44-100 or 105 (2 5 /s inches)
Sharps. This is speculation, but many shooters of this period did
prefer the straight case. The 44-100 Wesson is not fisted in any
previous cartridge book, and now that its existence has been
brought to the attention of collectors, additional information may
be forthcoming. The muzzle velocity of this combination would be
approximately 1350 to 1400 fps, depending on charge, barrel
length, etc.
132 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
44-100 Remington
“Creedmoor”
44-90 Remington Straight
Historical Notes The 44-100 cartridge was for the Remington-
Hepbum or No. 3 Long-Range Creedmoor rifle. It was introduced
in 1880. This is the special 2 6 /io-inch shell that had various load¬
ings and bullets plus the usual variety of designations for the
same round. It may have been designed to furnish a straight case
as an alternative to some of the necked Sharps 44 cartridges.
General Comments Also known as the 44-2 6 /io-inch and 44-90
Remington Straight, this was designed as a match cartridge for
long-range shooting out to 1000 and even 1400 yards. It was mod¬
erately popular, but rifles of this caliber are scarce. The cartridge
is a collector’s item. Remington manufactured a number of match
rifles designated “Creedmoor,” and this is the correct spelling of
the Creedmoor, Long Island rifle range. However, they also made
ammunition in various calibers under the “Creedmore” label with
a different spelling. Ammunition so designated had a target-type
bullet and very often was for rifles that had never been called
“Creedmoor” by the manufacturer. This has caused no end of con¬
fusion, although they changed the spelling to try to prevent it.
Both Remington and Winchester furnished empty cases and bul¬
lets for handloading.
44-100 Remington “Creedmoor” Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
470 Lead
IMR 4198 27
1410
2080
Lyman #446187
520 Lead
FL
1435
2380
Remington factory load
550 Lead
FL
1380
2338
Remington factory load
44-77 Sharps & Remington
Historical Notes This is the 2V4-inch Sharps bottlenecked case
introduced in 1869 for the Model 1869 Sharps breech-loading
sporting rifle. It was also one of the calibers available for the
Remington-Hepbum or No. 3. It was a popular target round, used
more for this purpose than hunting. The design of the 44-77 is
said to have been based on a combination of the 42 Russian and
the 43 Spanish military cartridges.
General Comments A variety of factory loadings were turned
out for the 44-77, with bullet weights from 300 grains to 470
grains. It is sometimes listed as the 44-70 or 44-75 depending on
the powder charge used. Remington made an unusual two-piece
reloadable case with a steel head and brass body.
44-77 Sharps & Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
365 Lead
IMR 4198 28.0
1480
1782
Lyman #446109
470 Lead PP
Fg 77.0
Early factory load, paper patch
365 Lead
FL
1460
1730
Factory load
44-85 Wesson
Historical Notes The 44-85 Wesson is another of the mysteri¬
ous and little-known Wesson cartridges. What little information
is available was picked up from a U.S. Cartridge Company adver¬
tising sheet printed in 1881-82. The 44-85 is a straight case with
a length of 2 7 /g inches. All 44-caliber Sharps cartridges were
necked, so it isn’t similar to any of those. There is nothing to indi¬
cate which of the Wesson rifles it was for, but with that length, it
was probably meant for the Creedmoor models.
44-85 Wesson Factory Ballistics
General Comments It is well to point out that during the late
1800s many riflemen didn’t like bottlenecked cases. It may be
that Frank Wesson introduced this cartridge because all the
Sharps 44 cases were necked and some individuals wanted the
same thing in a straight case. The U.S.C.C. load had a 390-grain
patched bullet backed up by 85 grains of Fg blackpowder. This
would have developed a muzzle velocity of approximately 1450
fps in the average rifle.
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
390 Lead Fg 85 1450 1821 Factory load
8th Edition 133
Chapter 3
44-90 Sharps Necked
(44-100 Sharps 2s/ 8 7
44-105 Sharps Necked)
Historical Notes This is the 44-90 Sharps 2 5 /s-inch case of larg¬
er capacity than the 44-77 Sharps. It was the caliber for the
Sharps 1873 Creedmoor rifle made by the old Sharps Rifle Man¬
ufacturing Company before its reorganization in 1875-76 and was
also chambered in later side-hammer models. Advertisments list
it as early as June of 1873. Sharps rifles of 44-caliber were dis¬
continued during 1878 in favor of the more popular 45-caliber.
General Comments These are just different loadings and bul¬
let weights. Ammunition was available with bullets weighing
277,450,470,500 and 520 grains. It was not as popular for hunt¬
ing as some of the other Sharps calibers, but was used for 1000-
yard match shooting. There is a version of this that has a
0.19-inch shorter case. Both are listed in the 1910 Winchester cat¬
alog. It might be possible to form 45-70 cases to work in these
rifles but the neck would be very short. Perfect cases can be
formed from 45 Basic brass.
44-90 Sharps (Necked) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
470 Lead
IMR 4198 28
1300
1630
Lyman #446187
520 Lead
FL
1270
1860
Factory load
44-60 Sharps & Remington
(Necked)
Historical Notes This is the lVs-inch 44 case that was loaded
by Remington and Winchester. It was introduced in 1869 for the
1869 Sporting Rifle and used in Sharps, Winchester and Rem¬
ington single shot rifles.
General Comments This was a general purpose cartridge for
hunting or target shooting. It was listed by Remington and
labeled as one of their “Creedmore” types (note the difference in
spelling) which has caused some confusion identifying the round.
Sharps match rifles for long-range shooting were named after the
famous range at Creedmoor, Long Island. Other rifle makers also
used this name. Remington applied the name to cartridges not
originally chambered in the Sharps Creedmoor line. It is inter¬
esting to compare this cartridge with the 42 Russian Berdan Car¬
bine round. Except for bullet diameter, the two are practically
identical. This suggests the possibility the 44-60 was developed
by expanding the neck of the Russian Carbine cartridge, much as
some modem wildcats are made. The 44-60 necked Peabody,
Winchester, Remington, etc. appear to be the same as the 44-60
(lVs-inch) Sharps cartridge.
44-60 Sharps (Necked) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
315 Lead IMR4198 24 1300 1188 Lyman #446110
396 Lead FL 1250 1375 Factory load
44-60 Winchester
44-60 Peabody “Creedmoor”
Historical Notes This cartridge is for the Peabody-Martini
“Creedmoor” rifle introduced in 1877-78. It is not a well-known
cartridge and apparently was of limited popularity. Winchester
loaded this round under their own name which they introduced in
1874-75. It is the same as the Sharps 44-60-lVg-inch necked
round.
General Comments Examination of these cartridges in com¬
parison with the 42 Russian Carbine indicate they are identical
except for neck and bullet diameter. The 44-60 was likely devel¬
oped by expanding the neck of the Russian cartridge, very much
as some of our modem wildcats are made. The Russian Carbine
cartridge is a shortened version of the 42 Berdan.
44-60 Peabody “Creedmoor” Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
365 Lead
Fg 65
1280
1410
Lyman #446109
395 Lead
FL
1250
1375
Winchester factory load
134 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
45-120 ( 31 / 4 ") Sharps
45-125 ( 3 V 4 ") Sharps
(Both Straight)
Historical Notes The 45-caliber 3 V 4 -inch case is the largest Sharps
cartridge of this caliber. Because of differences in case thickness it
usually came in two versions: the 45-120 and the 45-125. It was
introduced in 1878-79 for the Sharps-Borchardt rifles, though there
is no documentary evidence that the Sharps factory made rifles in
this caliber or any of the 3V4-inch cases, either 40, 45 or 50. Rifles
and ammunition of this caliber are collectors’ items at the present
time. The Sharps Rifle Co. failed in 1881 so the big 3V4-inch case
didn’t have a particularly long life, although other single shot rifles
could be (and were) chambered for it. In 1991-92 Eldorado Cartridge
made a run of brass and loaded ammunition in this caliber.
General Comments The 45-120 Sharps is a very powerful
blackpowder cartridge adequate for any North American big
game. It is usually considered one of the big buffalo cartridges, but
it couldn’t have participated in the slaughter of these animals to
any great extent because it arrived on the scene very late. Western
buffalo hunting reached its peak in 1875-76 and by 1880 was on
the wane. The last of the great herds was destroyed in 1884 and
the need for the big powerful buffalo rifles and cartridges passed
with the last of these animals. The repeating rifle and the small¬
bore, high-velocity cartridge would, within a decade, give them the
final shove into obsolescence. Most of the Sharps-Borchardt single
shot rifles in this and other calibers have been rebarreled and
made into modem small-bore varmint rifles.
45-120 ( 3 V 4 ") Sharps (Straight), 45-125 ( 3 V 4 ") Sharps (Straight) Loading Data
and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
485 Lead
IMR 4198 26
1360
2000
Lyman #451112
500 Cast
FFg 85.0
1299
1873
Lyman #457125
500 Lead
FL
1520
2561
Factory load
45-100 Remington (Necked)
Historical Notes The 45-100 Remington necked cartridge is
listed in the 1880-81 United States Cartridge Co. advertising
sheet. It must have been a special-order caliber for Remington
single shot rifles because there are no references to it in connec¬
tion with a specific rifle. It was also available as a special order
item for some of the late Sharps rifles, for it is listed in the 1875
Sharps catalog as the 45-2V4-inch case.
General Comments The 45-100 Remington uses a 2 5 /g-inch
necked case which appears to be identical to the 44-90 Remington
except for the larger diameter and longer neck. As we have men¬
tioned before, some shooters liked the straight case, while others
preferred the necked case. All Sharps 45-caliber cases are
straight. Perhaps Remington offered a choice to the man who
wanted a necked 45-caliber cartridge. Since the U.S. Cartridge
Co. shows loaded ammunition in this caliber, there must have
been at least a moderate demand. Although shorter, the 348 Win¬
chester case can be used in these rifles. The Basic 50 will form
full-length cases.
45-50 Peabody (Sporting)
Historical Notes A sporting cartridge for the Peabody-Martini
single shot rifle, the 45-50 was introduced in 1873-74, shortly
after the Martini modification of the Peabody action was adopted.
General Comments The 45-50 bears a close resemblance to the
Peabody 45-55 Turkish carbine cartridge. It is probable that it is
a modification of the Turkish military round to adapt it to sport¬
ing use. Physical measurements of the two are not identical, but
very close. This is a rare cartridge and rifles of this caliber are sel¬
dom encountered. Almost any 45-caliber rifle bullet can be sized
down to .454-inch and used; the Lyman No. 456191 (300-grain)
will work fine. Powder charge can be varied from 50 to 55 grains
of Fg blackpowder, depending on bullet weight and seating depth.
For smokeless loads, use 22 to 23 grains of Du Pont (IMR) 4198.
This will more or less duplicate original blackpowder ballistics. It
could be possible to cut and form 45-70 cases to work in these
rifles. This is one of the few Peabody designs that is close enough
to common current chamberings to give one hope of conveniently
shooting the rifle chambered for it.
45-50 Peabody (Sporting) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
255 Lead
IMR 4198 25
1350
1080
Lyman #454190
300 Lead
Fg 50
1285
1080
Lyman #456191
290 Lead
FL
1295
1085
Factory load
8th Edition 135
Chapter 3
45-60 Winchester
Historical Notes The 45-60 is one of several cartridges
designed for the Winchester 1876 Centennial Model rifle. The 45-
60 cartridge was introduced in 1879. Winchester continued pro¬
duction of the cartridge until 1935 even though the rifle was
discontinued in 1897. The Kennedy lever-action repeating rifle
used this cartridge and so did the Colt Lightning slide-action
repeater.
General Comments The 45-60 was brought out, with others of
the Model 1876 cartridge line, to provide greater power than the
44-40 and other short cartridges used in the Model 1873 Win¬
chester. The 45-60 design was probably influenced by the 45-70
Government round. The Model 1876 rifle had a medium-length
action that would not handle the long cartridges used in the sin¬
gle shots of the period. The 45-60 would be a better deer cartridge
than the 44 WCF, but would not be suitable for larger game.
Rifles for this cartridge are not strong so one should not attempt
to exceed original ballistics. It should be easy to form 45-70 cases
to work in these rifles.
45-60 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
300 Lead IMR4198 25 1450 1410 Lyman #456191
300 Lead FL 1315 1152 Winchester factory load
The Kennedy repeating rifle
45-75 Winchester
Historical Notes The 45-75 Winchester was the original caliber
for the Model 1876 Centennial rifle. Other calibers were added at
a later date. The Kennedy repeating rifle also used this round.
Winchester continued to produce this cartridge until 1935. The
Canadian Northwest Mounted Police adopted the ’76 Winchester
in 45-75 caliber and used it for 27 years.
General Comments To compete with the big Sharps and other
single shot calibers, Winchester needed a longer repeating action.
The Model ’76 was designed to fill that need. However, as pro¬
duced it was not long enough to handle cartridges with an overall
length exceeding 2V4-inches. The 45-75 gives performance equal
to, or slightly better than, the 45-70 Government by use of a
shorter, fatter bottlenecked case. The Model ’76 action is not not¬
ed for great strength and heavy smokeless charges should be
avoided. The 45-75 would be a good short-range deer or black
bear cartridge by modem standards. It was favored by Theodore
Roosevelt for grizzly bear. Usable cases can be made from 348
Winchester brass.
45-75 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
350 Lead IMR4198 24 1380 1480 Lyman #456192
350 Lead FL 1383 1485 Factory load.
136 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
45-100 Ballard
Historical Notes Satterlee* indicates that this cartridge was
introduced in 1878 with the Ballard Sporting No. 4*4 rifle. How¬
ever, Grantf first shows it with the 1882 (Marlin Fire Arms Co.)
Pacific No. 5. The manufacture of Ballard single shot rifles was
discontinued between 1888 and 1890. The 45-100 cartridge was
still listed as a standard caliber in the 1888 Marlin & Ballard cat¬
alog. This was the last catalog that advertised the Ballard accord¬
ing to some authorities.
General Comments The 45-100 is not a common cartridge,
even though it was available up to the time Ballard rifles were
* op. cit.
t op. cit.
discontinued. It is the same case as the 44-100 Ballard, but the
inside of the neck has been reamed out to take the larger 45-cal¬
iber bullet. Almost any 45-caliber lead rifle bullet can be sized to
fit this case. The company offered 45-caliber bullets in 285, 405,
420, and 550 grains for loading this and other cartridges. Lighter
bullets left room for up to 120 grains of blackpowder. This was
used as both a target and hunting round and was equal in power
to some of the big Sharps and Winchester cartridges of similar
capacity. The old Ballard action is not a particularly strong one
and caution is advised when using smokeless powder. Although
the base is a bit smaller than the 45-70, one suspects usable cas¬
es could be made from 45-70 cases. If so, Basic 45 brass could be
cut to the proper length to duplicate this cartridge, which is very
similar to the 45-90 Winchester, only longer.
45-100 Ballard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
500 Lead
Fg 100
1400
2180
Lyman #457125
500 Lead
IMR 4198 22
1250
1740
Lyman #457125
550 Lead
FL
1370
2300
Factory load
Ballard No. 5 Pacific Rifle
45-125 Winchester
(45 Express)
Historical Notes Introduced in 1886 as a special-order caliber
for the Winchester single shot rifle, the 45-125 was not widely
used and was discontinued after a few years. Winchester contin¬
ued to load ammunition of this caliber up to 1916.
General Comments The 45-125 has a long bottlenecked case
and was furnished with the 300-grain copper-tubed, Express bul¬
let. Lyman No. 456191 is the proper bullet for reloading. In
appearance, this cartridge resembles the British 500/465 Nitro,
but they are not the same and can be distinguished by the head
markings, bullet diameter, etc. This is a powerful blackpowder
number and would do for most big game in North America. One
reason it became obsolete is because the 45-90 WCF will do the
same thing with a smaller case and less powder.
45-125 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
300 Lead IMR4198 35 1475 1456 Lyman #456191
300 SP FL 1690 1903 Winchester factory load
8th Edition 137
Chapter 3
45-90 Sharps (Straight)
45-100 Sharps (Straight)
45-110 Sharps (Straight)
45 Sharps Special
Historical Notes When the Sharps company adopted the 45-
caliber, they developed a variety of loads and case lengths. The
first of these was introduced in mid-1876 (278 inches), and dif¬
ferent case lengths were added late in 1876 (2 6 /io inches) and
mid-1877 (2 4 /io inches). The principal difference in these car¬
tridges was in the bullet weight, powder charge and case length.
Other dimensions are the same. Some are heavy reloadable cas¬
es that had to be lengthened slightly to hold the same charge as
the originals.
General Comments The 45-100 (2.4 inches), 45-100 (2.6 inch¬
es), 45-90 (23/ 4 inches), 45-100 (27s inches) and the 45-110 (27s
inches) all appear to be identical except for loading and/or case
length. The 45-2 3 /4-inch case, listed in the 1876 catalog, is
unknown otherwise. There is no point fisting all of these sepa¬
rately because of slight differences. However, the reader should
know that each exists as they are encountered in literature refer¬
ring to Sharps rifles or loading data for them. Sharps cartridges
use a bullet of .451-inch diameter rather than the larger size of
most other rifles. The 45-90 Winchester case can be fired in any of
the above caliber rifles by seating the bullet well out of the case.
With cast bullets 45-70 cartridges can be fired in these rifles, in
spite of the difference in nominal bullet diameter. These cases can
be made from Basic 45 brass and many custom bullet moulds are
currently available.
45-90 Sharps (Straight), 45-100 Sharps (Straight), 45-110 Sharps (Straight)
Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
485 Lead IMR4198 24 1300 1822 Lyman#451112
550 Lead_FL 1360 2240 Factory load
Sharps Model 1877 Rifle
45-70 Van Choate
Historical Notes This cartridge was originally designed for the
experimental Van Choate military bolt-action rifle made by the
Brown Manufacturing Co. in 1872. It is similar to the 45-70 Gov¬
ernment, but has a case length of 2.25 inches instead of 2.10 inch¬
es. It was used in other rifles as well because it was fisted in
Remington and Winchester catalogs as late as 1910-12. The bul¬
let weighed 420 grains and was paper patched.
General Comments There are a number of variations of the
45-70 Government cartridge. Most of these are a matter of bullet
weight but a few use a different case length. One of these was the
45-78-475 Wolcott with a 2.31-inch case. There was also a 45-80
Sharpshooter cartridge used in special target rifles. This had a
2.40-inch case that was very similar, if not identical, to the
Sharps 2.40-inch case. Even though these cartridges are identical
in all dimensions except length, a rifle would have to be cham¬
bered to accept the extra length cartridge, and they would not be
entirely interchangeable. Just what the originators hoped to gain
from these variations is hard to imagine. It was probably done to
allow a full or increased powder charge with a heavier or longer
than standard bullet. Most of these variations have an odd¬
shaped bullet. For any of these, one can use the same bullets and
loading data given with the 45-70. Standard 45-70 cases cham¬
ber in these rifles. To duplicate the original case, trim Basic 45s to
the proper length.
138 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
45-75 Sharps (Straight)
45-70 Sharps
Historical This cartridge is identical to the 45-70 Government.
It represents another instance of a manufacturer adding his
name to a cartridge when chambered for his rifles. Also known
as the 45-70 Sharps, it was added to the company product line
early to mid-1875. It was one of the loadings of what was desig¬
nated as the Sharps 45-2Vio-inch case.
General Comments Use the same loading data as that giv¬
en for the 45-70 Government. Most original Sharps rifles have
blackpowder steel barrels so it is advisable to stick to lead bul¬
lets to reduce wear on the bore. Any load safe for the 1873
“Trapdoor” Springfield will be ok in Sharps rifles of any
vintage.
45-75 Sharps (Straight) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
400 Lead FL 1330 1580 Factory load
45-82 Winchester
45-85 Winchester
45-90 Winchester
Historical Notes These three calibers are often listed separate¬
ly with different case dimensions. However, they are nothing
more than different loads and bullet weights in the same basic
45-90 case. All loads were for the Winchester Model 1886
repeater or single shot. The 45-90 was introduced in 1886. The
other loads followed. The Marlin Model 1895 was also chambered
for the group. The smokeless powder 45-90 came out in 1895 and
was discontinued about 1936.
General Comments For many decades after its introduction
the 45-90 was a popular sporting cartridge. Once offered in a
high-velocity loading with its standard 300-grain bullet at nearly
2000 fps and generating over 2900 foot pounds of energy, it was
no doubt a good killer. With a 200 fps advantage over the high-
velocity 45-70-300 load, it would shoot a bit flatter and give, per¬
haps, 50 yards more usable range.
The 45-90 case is practically identical to the 45-70, only longer.
It is common practice to fire the 45-70 in these rifles when the
proper ammunition is not available. The 45-90 is adequate for
any North American big game at moderate ranges. Use standard
.457-inch diameter bullets for loading. For handloading use only
lead bullets to avoid excessive barrel wear.
45-82,45-85,45-90 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
300 Lead
IMR 4198
38
1530
1565
405 Lead
IMR 4198
32
1410
1790
Lyman #457483 GC
405 Cast
IMR 3031
40.0
1500
2023
Lyman #457124
300 Lead
FL
1554
1609
Factory load
350 Lead
FL
1510
1775
Factory load
405 Lead
FL
1468
1938
Factory load
8th Edition 139
Chapter 3
50-90 Sharps
50-100 Sharps
50-110 Sharps
Historical Notes The 2V2-inch, 50-caliber Sharps was intro¬
duced in the 1872 Sharps catalog which also listed the 50-70,
among others. This period was the heyday of buffalo hunting.
There was a strong demand for more potent loads in all game
calibers. The 50-90 offered rather more power. When western
writers refer to the “Big 50” Sharps buffalo rifle and cartridge,
this is the cartridge they mean whether they know it or not. The
longer Sharps (3V 4 -inch) 50-caliber cartridge didn’t arrive on
the scene until after the buffalo were finished as a commercial
possibility.
General Comments Soon after its introduction, it was the “Big
Fifty” or “Poison Slinger.” The 50-90 is also called the 50-100 or
50-110 depending on what bullet weight and powder charge was
used. Sharps discontinued their 40- and 50-caliber cartridges
except on special order when they adopted the 45-caliber. Correct
bullet diameter is .509-inch; several Lyman moulds in this size
are available. One should not confuse various loadings of this car¬
tridge with the 50-110 Winchester, though the latter case can be
used to make up ammunition for 50 ( 2 V 2 -inch) Sharps rifles, even
though a little short. Although much shorter, straightened 348
Winchester cases should work in most rifles. The Basic 50 will
make perfect copies of this case.
50-90 Sharps, 50-100 Sharps, 50-110 Sharps Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
365 Lead
XMP 5744
37.0
1652
2210
Accurate Arms
422 Cast
IMR 4198
25.5
1129
1194
Lyman #515141
440 Lead
XMP5744
33.0
1418
1965
Accurate Arms
465 Lead
IMR 4198
30
1320
1804
Lyman #509133
550 Lead
XMP5744
30.0
1275
1985
Accurate Arms
335 Lead
FL
1475
1630
Factory load
473 Lead
FL
1350
1920
Factory load
Sharps Model 1874 hunting rifle with heavy
barrel and double set triggers.
50-140 Sharps
50-140 Winchester
Express
Historical Notes This is another special-order Sharps car¬
tridge. It was introduced in 1880, but specific reference is lack¬
ing. Dimensions, except for length, are the same as the 50-90
Sharps. Some authorities believe rifles were made by rechamber¬
ing 50-90s. None of the Sharps catalogs list this caliber.
General Comments Winchester loaded the 50-140 with a 473-
grain bullet, but many handloaders used the 700-grain paper-
patched type which could be purchased on a commercial basis.
UMC also made empty cases. Rifles chambered for this round are
rare, and cartridges are collector’s items. This was the most pow¬
erful of the Sharps “buffalo” calibers, but it was introduced after
most of the great herds were long gone. By 1880, buffalo hunting
had almost ended, though it continued sporadically until 1884
when the last remaining herd was destroyed. Buffalo hunting for
scattered individuals or small groups was not economically feasi¬
ble. Sharps rifles used .509-inch diameter bullets while Win¬
chester used .512-inch diameter. Although much shorter,
straightened 348 Winchester cases should work in most rifles.
The Basic 50 will make perfect copies of this case.
50-140 Sharps, 50-140 Winchester Express Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
422 Cast
IMR 4198
39.0
1386
1780
Lyman #515141
440 Lead
XMP5744
55.0
1978
3820
Accurate Arms
550 Lead
XMP5744
50.0
1736
3680
Accurate Arms
465 Lead
IMR 4198
33.0
1450
2190
Lyman #509133
700 Lead
XMP5744
48.0
1529
3635
Accurate Arms
473 Lead
FL
1580
2520
Winchester factory load
700 Lead
FL
1355
2850
Factory load
140 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes This, the largest of the Bullard cartridges,
was introduced in 1886. It is unique in being both the first semi-
rimmed and solid head cartridge produced in the U.S. It was
chambered in the repeating Bullard rifles and possibly the single
shot. No other rifle makers used it.
General Comments The 50-115 Bullard has a slight shoulder.
With its larger body diameter, it is shorter than similar 50-caliber
cartridges. It delivers the same performance as the longer 50-110
Winchester. It is another rare caliber and would be difficult to dupli¬
cate out of some other case because of the semi-rim construction.
50-115 Bullard Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
290 Lead
Fg 115
1539
1580
Lyman #512139
290 Lead
IMR 4198 32
1570
1647
Lyman #512139
300 Lead
FL
1539
1583
Factory load
50-100 Winchester
50-105 Winchester
50-110 Winchester
Historical Notes Here we have another example of different
loads for the same case causing them to be confused as separate
calibers. These are all variations of the original 50-110 Winches¬
ter introduced in or before 1892 for the Model 1886 repeating
rifle. It was also available for the single shot and Winchester list¬
ed it in cartridge catalogs until 1935.
General Comments Originally a blackpowder number, both a
standard- and high-velocity smokeless version were also devel¬
oped. The high-velocity load pushed the 300-grain bullet at 2225
fjps and developed 3298 fpe at the muzzle. This was quite a potent
number, being comparable to some of the British African car¬
tridges. For loading, use the Lyman No. 512139 (290 grains) hol-
lowpoint or No. 512138 (450 grains) or those listed below with the
loading data. In spite of being a bit shorter, straightened 348
Winchester cases should work in most rifles. The Basic 50 will
easily form duplicate cases.
50-100, 50-105,50-110 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
285 Lead
Fg
110
1600
1710
Lyman #518144
285 Lead
IMR 4198
39
1750
2045
Lyman #518144
450 Lead
Fg
100
1475
2190
Lyman #515141
300 Lead
FL
1605
1720
Standard Winchester factory load
300 Lead
FL
2225
3298
High velocity Winchester factory load
50-50 Maynard (1882)
Historical Notes This is the Maynard version of the 50 U.S.
Carbine cartridge. It was used in the 1882 Model Maynard single
shot rifle.
General Comments Some of the 50-50 Maynard cartridges
have a smaller base diameter than that listed, but this is more a
matter of manufacturing tolerance than design difference.
Ammunition for old rifles of this caliber can be made by trimming
50-70 brass to the correct length. Powder charge is 50 to 60 grains
of blackpowder, depending on bullet weight and type. Lyman No.
518144 (285-grain) or 518145 (350-grain) make good cast bullets
for these old rifles. By shortening, and possibly thinning the rim,
348 Winchester cases can be used in these rifles.
50-50 Maynard Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
350 Lead FL 1270 1260 Factory load
400 Lead FL 1210 1305 Factory load
8th Edition 141
Chapter 3
50-95 Winchester
50-95 Winchester Express
Historical Notes The 50-95 is another of the short-necked car¬
tridges developed for the Winchester 1876 Centennial Model
repeater. This is the big bore of the group and was introduced in
1879. It was not as popular as some of the others and had a rela¬
tively short production life. The Colt New Lightning slide-action
rifle was also available in this caliber.
General Comments The 50-70 Government cartridge gained a
certain following among buffalo hunters of the period and the 50-
95 is an improved, repeating rifle version of this. Lyman hollow-
point bullets No. 512137 (350 grains) or 512139 (290 grains) can
be used for loading. It is advisable to stick to blackpowder or low
pressure smokeless loads for the Model ’76 Winchester. It is not a
strong action, although entirely adequate for any blackpowder
load. Shortened 348 Winchester cases should work in most rifles.
50-95 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
285 Lead
IMR 4198 26
1420
1302
Lyman #518144
350 Lead
IMR 4198 23
1350
1420
Lyman #518145
300 Lead
FL
1557
1615
Winchester factory load
Colt Lightning, Large Frame
50 U.S. Carbine
(50 Carbine)
Historical Notes Introduced as a carbine loading for the 1870
“Trapdoor” Springfield single shot rifle or carbine, this is a cen-
terfire modification of similar rimfire types developed during and
immediately after the Civil War.
General Comments The 50 Carbine round is a short-case vari¬
ation of the standard 50-70 military cartridge. It can be fired in
the rifle, but the standard 50-70 case is too long to fit in carbines.
The carbine load consisted of a 400-grain bullet and 45 to 50
grains of Fg blackpowder. Lyman No. 518144 (285 grains) is a
good bullet for loading these old shells. If your gun won’t take the
regular 50-70, just trim the case to the proper length. The 1870
Springfield has a weak action so don’t try any hot smokeless
loads. Shortened 348 Winchester cases should work in most
rifles.
50 U.S. Carbine Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
400 Lead IMR4198 22 1200 1285
400 Lead_FL_1200 1285 Factory load
142 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
50-70 Musket (50 Govt.)
Historical Notes The 50-70 was the United States military rifle
cartridge from 1866 to 1873. It was the first centerfire cartridge in
general use by the U.S. military. The design was derived from the
50-60-400 Joslyn rimfire. It was used in various models and mod¬
ifications of the single shot Springfield rifle until replaced by the
45-70 in 1873. It was also chambered in the Remington single shot
military rifle and in a wide variety of sporting rifles, both single
shot and repeating. The original cartridge had the inside, Benet-
type primer. It has been obsolete since the turn of the century.
General Comments The 50-70, or 50 Government, was a pop¬
ular cartridge through the 1870s and ’80s. It was said to be very
effective on buffalo and other heavy game. It was the popularity
of this cartridge that induced Winchester to bring out the 50-110,
which was, in effect, an improved and more powerful version of
the 50-70. Very few rifles of this caliber remain in use and ammu¬
nition is almost non-existent. However, it would be adequate for
any North American big game at short range. Cases with the lat¬
er Boxer-type priming can be reloaded. Most 50-70 rifles were
intended for blackpowder; only very light charges of smokeless
powder can be considered safe. In 1934, Francis Bannerman &
Sons of New York City advertised both 50-70 Springfield rifles
and the ammunition. Rifles were still available as late as 1940.
No sporting rifles have chambered this round since the early
1900s. There was also a carbine version with a shorter case (1.35
inches instead of 1.94 inches). Shortened 348 Winchester cases
should work in most rifles.
50-70 Musket (50 Govt.) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
350 Lead
IMR 3031
38
1310
1333
Lyman #518145
422 Cast
IMR 4198
25.5
1129
1194
Lyman #515141
425 Lead
XMP5744
30.0
1419
1900
Accurate Arms
550 Lead
XMP5744
25.0
1208
1780
Accurate Arms
450 Lead
IMR 3031
36
1270
1611
Lyman #515141
450 Lead
IMR 4198
26
1410
1987
425 Lead
FL
1275
1535
Factory load
450 Lead
FL
1260
1488
Factory load
55-100 Maynard
Historical Notes This cartridge is for the Maynard Im¬
proved Hunters Rifle No. 11,1882-type. The 55-100 listed here
was introduced the same year as the rifle. This is a little
known and seldom encountered round. There was also a shot-
shell version.
General Comments Some Maynard rifles were available as
combination guns with interchangeable shot or rifled barrels. The
55-100 was one of the cartridges for this arrangement. Shells for
both shot loading and bullet loading were advertised in their cat¬
alog. This is an odd bullet diameter (.551-inch) and no one makes
a suitable mould. However, some of the 54-caliber musket balls or
Minie bullets could probably be resized to work.
55-100 Maynard Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
530 Lead FL 1410 2340 Factory load
8th Edition 143
Chapter 3
58 Carbine (Berdan)
Historical Notes This is the carbine version of the 58 Berdan
Musket cartridge introduced in 1869. The two differ only in case
length and powder charge. The carbine case is 1.125 inches long,
whereas the musket case is 1.750 inches long. There is no other
difference except the powder charge.
General Comments Rifles for 58 Berdan cartridges are
scarce items. Proper load for the carbine version is 40 to 45
grains of Fg blackpowder. Use Lyman No. 585213 (476-grain)
bullet. For a good smokeless load, try 22 grains of Du Pont
(IMR) 4198.
58 Berdan Carbine Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
530 Lead FL 925 1012 Factory load
Historical Notes Introduced in 1869 for use in the Berdan
breech-loading conversion of the Springfield rifled musket, there
is both a rifle version (listed here) and a carbine version (listed
below) of this cartridge. Bullet weight is the same in both car¬
tridges. This caliber was never officially adopted by the United
States armed forces, but was used experimentally. The centerfire
cartridge evolved from earlier rimfire and inside-primed types.
The Springfield muzzle-loading musket used a 500-grain bullet
and 60 grains of powder for 950 to 1000 fps before conversion to
breechloading.
General Comments Col. Hiram Berdan, noted chiefly for his
part in organizing and leading Berdan’s Sharpshooters during
the Civil War, was also a firearms designer of considerable impor¬
tance in the post-war period. The breech-loading conversion sys¬
tem he designed was not used by the U.S., but was adopted by
Spain, Russia and other European powers. His Berdan I (hinged,
cam lock) and Berdan II (bolt-action) single shot rifles were both
officially adopted and used by Russia for a number of years. In
1895, his widow was awarded a judgment for patent infringe¬
ment in a suit filed against the U.S. government. The 1866
Springfield rifle used a breech system that copied essential fea¬
tures of the Berdan design.
In 1870, Col. Berdan developed the priming form that bears
his name, the Berdan system that is used almost universally out¬
side of the United States. The Boxer primer used here was
invented by an Englishman. The 58 Musket cartridge is common,
but arms of this caliber are scarce.
58 U.S. Musket (Berdan) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
476 Lead
Fg 80-85
1230
1608
Lyman #585213
476 Lead
IMR 4198 25
1230
1608
Lyman #585213
530 Lead
Fg 80-85
1100
1420
Factory load
Historical Notes The 70-150 cartridge appeared on the 1888
Winchester cartridge boards. Some say it was an advertising nov¬
elty for display only. According to Paul Foster (Gun Digest , 1952,
6th Edition p. 173), the only gun chambered for it was a specially-
made Model 1887 shotgun with rifled barrel. It was never pro¬
duced on a commercial basis.
General Comments The 70-150 is based on the brass 12-gauge
70-150 Winchester Factory Ballistics
shotshell shortened and necked slightly. It is mentioned only to
complete the record because no guns were produced for it. No
loading or ballistics data is available. However, the case would
hold about 150 grains of powder and bullets of this caliber could
weigh anywhere from 600 to 900 grains. The muzzle velocity this
combination could develop would be approximately 1300 to 1500
fps, depending on bullet weight.
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
600 Lead FL 1500 3000 Theoretical factory ballistics
900 Lead_FL_1300 3380 Theoretical factory ballistics
144 Cartridges of the World
NEWTON
TABLE OF BALLISTICS OF DIFFERENT CARTRIDGES.
The following table shows the ballistics of most of our cartridges at present in use and we feel will be found of considerable interest, as by
comparing the figures of the different ranges the true value of the cartridges may be seen.
&!
0)
c
c
O
<p
X
c
o
t- 3
O)
5 (O
> r~
o
5
o
5
■
3
co
8
8
22 Sav.
68 gr.
C-.26
.22 Nev
90 gr.
C-.464
6mm 11
U. S. Ni
C-.259
25-35-1
C-.245
25-35-1
Rem. A
C-245
.250 Sa
87 graii
C-.276
.256 Ne
123 gr.
C-.464
.256 Ne
140 gr.
C-.548
7mm U
139 gr.
C-.44
7mm M
151.5 g
C-.495
Ross .2
145 gr.
C-.457
Ross .2
180 gr.
C-.567
30-30-1
C-.272
Range.
Bullet.
Muzzle
Velocity, ft. sec. 2800
3103
2562
1978
2127
3000
3103
3000
2784
2604
3050
2700
2008
Energy, ft. lbs. . 1190
1921
1632
1016
1175
1740
2632
2800
2475
2310
3002
2834
1522
100 Yd.
Velocity, ft. sec. 2453
2891
2231
1680
1812
2657
2891
2824
2577
2425
2837
2541
1735
Energy, ft. lbs. . 911
1660
1239
733
854
1375
2288
2492
2057
1991
2595
2592
1136
Trajectory, ft. . . .052
.04
.063
.109
.094
.045
.04
.042
.048
.058
.042
.052
.104
Time Fit., sec. . . .114
.100
.125
.165
.153
.106
.100
.103
.11
.120
.102
.114
.161
200 Yd.
Velocity, ft. sec. 2131
2689
1923
1420
1535
2340
2689
2655
2378
2254
2635
2387
1493
Energy, ft. lbs. . 687
1445
918
516
608
1061
1980
2198
1751
1718
2247
2286
850
Trajectory, ft. . . .242
.173
.291
.576
.443
.204
.173
.181
.217
.246
.180
.222
.482
Time Fit., sec. . . .246
.208
.27
.359
.333
.226
.208
.213
.233
.248
.212
.236
.347
300 Yd.
Velocity, ft. sec. 1833
2496
1647
1218
1303
2042
2496
2492
2188
2089
2441
2239
1290
Energy, ft. lbs. . 510
1247
680
386
433
783
1709
1932
1473
1474
1929
2016
629
Trajectory, ft. . . .666
.417
.767
1.38
1.19
.530
.417
.435
.530
.593
.436
.535
1.28
Time Fit., sec. . . .408
.323
.438
.588
.546
.364
.323
.320
.364
.385
.330
.366
.564
500 Yd.
Velocity, ft. sec. 1341
2133
1217
1001
1036
1526
2133
2183
1832
1781
2076
1956
1047
Energy, ft. lbs. . 272
907
370
257
281
435
1242
1484
1029
1064
1392
1530
408
Trajectory, ft. . . 2.46
1.35
2.99
5.20
4.58
1.98
1.35
1.37
1.77
1.94
1.42
1.69
4.75
Time Fit., sec. . . .784
.583
.863
1.14
1.07
.704
.583
.586
.665
.697
.597
.653
1.09
1000 Yd.
Velocity, ft. sec. 869
1383
834
721
744
920
1383
1518
1175
1197
1337
1354
775
Energy, ft. lbs. . 114
341
174
129
134
165
513
714
417
486
580
738
221
Trajectory, ft. . . 20.1
8.53
23.0
34.1
31.14
17.6
8.53
7.95
11.6
12.1
9.00
10.4
30.7
Time Fit., sec. . . 2.24
1.46
2.40
2.92
2.79
2.10
1.46
1.41
1.70
1.74
1.50
1.61
2.77
1500 Yd.
Velocity, ft. sec. 641
1016
611
508
526
700
1016
1100
930
959
998
1038
572
Energy, ft. lbs. . 62
207
93
67
70
95
283
378
264
304
319
432
119
Trajectory, ft. . . 71.8
30.5
81.0
117.
108.1
60.8
30.47
26.8
39.9
39.9
32.0
34.6
100.
Time Fit., sec. . . 4.26
2.76
4.50
5.40
5.19
3.90
2.76
2.59
3.16
3.16
2.83
2.94
5.01
30-40 Arm
220 gr.
C-.352
.30 U. S. G
220 gr.
C-.394
.30 U. S. G
150 gr.
C-.389
.30 cal. 15i
Newton
C-.389
.30 cal. 17
Newton
C-.491
.30 Newto
225 gr.
C-.632
.303 Sava<
195 gr.
C-.312
32-20-115
C-.129
32-20-115
W. H. V.
C-.162
32-40-165
C-209
32-40-165
W. H. V.
C-.225
32-40 H. P
165 gr.
C-.209
32-W Sp.
170 gr.
C-.222
8mm Spits
154 gr.
C-347
8mm-236
C-.363
33-200 W.
C-.238
nange
Muzzle Vel. .
2000
2200
2700
3208
3000
2610
1952
1222
1640
1427
1752
2065
2112
2915
2129
2056
En. ..
. 1970
2376
2445
3445
3440
3470
1658
381
690
747
1125
1558
1684
3018
2375
1877
100 Yd.
Vel. .
1783
1999
2465
2950
2804
2470
1718
1011
1282
1194
1460
1708
1769
2646
1912
1741
En. ..
. 1553
1950
2034
2910
3010
3060
1285
261
420
523
781
1072
1181
2402
1888
1346
Tra. ,
, .101
.03
.055
.038
.043
.056
.106
.298
.171
.21
.141
.102
.096
.046
.089
.101
Tim. .
.159
.14
.116
.098
.104
.118
.163
.273
.207
.231
.188
.16
.155
1.07
1.49
1.59
200 Yd.
Vel.
. 1590
1812
2244
2707
2618
2333
1506
887
1068
1055
1231
1403
1471
2392
1713
1467
En. ..
. 1235
1602
1686
2445
2631
2723
987
195
287
380
561
726
816
1956
1534
960
Tra. .
.454
.36
.241
.166
.185
.238
.49
1.38
.869
.996
.679
.49
.465
.206
.397
.476
Tim.
. .337
.29
.243
.204
.215
.244
.35
.588
.466
.499
.412
.35
.341
.227
.315
.345
300 Yd.
Vel.
. 1418
1639
2039
2477
2439
2202
1324
787
955
967
1082
1177
1237
2151
1540
1246
En..
. 985
1311
1392
2040
2287
2430
762
161
230
330
429
495
578
1586
1251
680
Tra.
. 1.15
.91
.596
.409
.44
562
1.27
3.59
2.31
2.53
1.82
1.39
1.28
.515
.956
1.30
Tim.
. .537
.47
.384
.320
.333
.375
.563
.948
.760
.796
.675
.588
.564
.359
.489
.569
500 Yd.
Vel.
. 1138
1342
1668
2049
2100
1949
1083
612
786
829
916
960
994
1714
1236
1009
En. .
. 632
879
932
1395
1685
1913
509
92
161
247
313
330
374
1001
802
454
Tra.
. 4.10
3.13
2.04
1.37
1.44
1.77
4.58
13.0
8.41
8.64
6.76
5.38
4.93
1.80
3.50
4.93
Tim.
. 1.01
.88
.709
.586
.598
.665
1.07
1.80
1.45
1.47
1.30
1.16
1.11
.672
.935
1.11
1000 Yd.
Vel.
. 831
961
1068
1223
1395
1413
824
284
464
561
647
655
694
1047
915
720
En. .
. 337
451
382
495
739
990
294
21
55
115
148
158
170
370
439
220
Tra.
. 26.8
21.3
14.5
9.73
8.76
9.86
28.52
117.
61.5
53.6
41.7
37.5
34.3
13.5
22.7
33.4
Tim.
. 2.59
2.24
1.86
1.56
1.48
1.57
2.67
5.40
3.92
3.66
3.23
3.06
2.93
1.84
2.38
2.89
1500 Yd.
Vel.
. 657
790
853
928
1032
1087
637
237
352
432
424
467
823
738
502
En. .
. 211
305
244
285
408
585
176
14
49
66
66
83
231
283
112
Tra.
. 85.9
69.2
52.8
35.6
30.5
31.3
90.25
286
199
147
139.2
124
48.2
70.9
115
Tim.
. 4.63
3.97
3.45
2.98
2.76
2.80
4.75
8.45
7.05
6.07
5.91
5.56
3.47
4.21
5.37
TABLE OF BALLISTICS (Continued)
O
<
Jeffery .33
250 gr.
C-.586
.33 Newtoi
C-.395
200 gr.
.35 Newtoi
C-.40
250 gr.
35 W. C. F
250 gr.
C-.287
351-180
Win. Auto
C-.202
35-200-Re i
C-.229
9mm Maui
280 gr.
C-.371
Range.
Muzzle
Vel.
. 2600
3000
2975
2200
1861
2000
1850
En. .
. 3750
4000
4925
2687
1385
1776
2128
100 Yd.
Vel.
. 2450
2758
2737
1923
1523
1681
1660
En. .
. 3270
3400
4175
2053
927
1260
1708
Tra.
. .056
.043
.044
.085
.127
.107
.117
Tim.
. .118
.104
.105
.146
.178
1.64
.171
200 Yd.
Vel.
. 2304
2530
2512
1672
1254
1406
1485
En. .
. 2950
2852
3500
1550
630
880
1372
Tra.
. .238
.188
.192
.391
.627
.518
.527
Tim.
. .244
.217
.219
.313
.396
.359
.363
300 Yd.
Vel.
. 2162
2312
2297
1448
1083
1196
1333
En. .
. 2600
2382
2950
1175
468
640
1108
Tra.
. .575
.465
.473
1.02
1.72
1.39
.132
Tim.
. .379
.341
.344
.506
.654
.592
.575
500 Yd.
Vel.
. 1893
1907
1896
1130
906
983
1114
En. .
. 2000
1628
2000
700
324
420
773
Tra.
. 1.82
1.56
1.59
3.82
6.35
5.29
4.58
Tim.
. .677
.625
.632
.978
1.26
1.15
1.07
1000 Yd.
Vel.
. 1340
1166
1165
827
611
698
872
En. .
. 1000
600
750
375
144
216
476
Tra.
. 10.5
10.9
11.0
26.2
42.8
34.8
28.3
Tim.
. 1.62
1.65
1.66
2.56
3.27
2.95
2.61
1500 Yd.
Vel.
. 1037
907
910
625
384
477
707
En. .
. 600
366
450
218
54
100
308
Tra.
. 35.3
38.9
38.9
86.5
161
123
81.7
Tim.
. 2.97
3.12
3.12
4.65
6.37
5.55
4.52
s
?>
in
in
in
CL
i
in
m
in
r*.
in
^00
lO T—
in cm
in cm
in
in
CM
in n
in cm
m
68
^ CM
Sg
CM
CM $
8|8
?i£
<£>cm
in cm
co •'
So
86
co^6
ob .*
coO
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co O
GO ■*
COO
COO
comci
1324
1775
1321
1593
1397
1700
1489
1476
1595
700
1260
988
1437
1105
1635
1256
1331
1227
1053
1367
1131
1350
1189
1442
1262
1286
1313
443
747
725
1033
801
1173
903
1010
831
.266
.149
.244
.206
.217
.147
.193
.192
.171
.258
.193
.247
.227
.233
.192
.220
.219
.207
918
1104
1024
1168
1061
1238
1106
1143
1119
338
486
580
765
638
867
689
798
608
1.28
.774
1.10
.77
1.00
.692
.895
.869
.831
.564
.440
.526
.440
.501
.416
.473
.466
.456
813
975
944
1056
979
1097
1014
1052
1012
265
378
510
637
526
688
586
687
477
3.32
2.11
2.76
2.00
2.51
1.82
2.29
2.20
2.17
.912
.728
.833
.708
.793
.676
.758
.743
738
634
795
816
915
848
944
879
929
861
162
252
380
484
408
506
434
523
347
12.2
7.90
9.24
6.86
8.41
6.55
7.73
7.29
7.61
1.75
1.41
1.52
1.31
1.45
1.28
1.39
1.35
1.38
297
458
560
664
596
688
628
706
584
36
84
179
250
204
255
227
303
152
108
60.8
55.95
41.5
50.7
39.4
46.5
41.2
48.7
5.21
3.90
3.74
3.22
3.56
3.14
3.41
3.21
3.49
226
359
463
395
484
426
522
368
20
74
122
89
133
102
165
65
294
213
139
177
132.
159.
143.
181.
8.57
7.29
5.90
6.65
5.75
6.31
5.98
6.73
o> o>
8
8
40-72-300
Smokeless
C-.236
8
c
o
c
1
c
§
40-65-21
C-.198
40-70-3:
C-.254
CM
CM o
00 CM
So
.40 New
H. P.
C-.374
401-200
Auto Lo
C-.183
401-250
Auto Lo
C-.207
Jeffrey
400 gr.
C-.396
Range.
Muzzle
Vel. .
1367
1382
1423
1492
3042
2141
1875
2200
En. ..
1079
1401
1350
1285
6180
2037
1952
4320
100 Yd.
Vel. .
1145
1196
1214
1236
2784
1721
1543
1997
En. ..
757
1049
983
883
5220
1315
1323
3560
Tra. .
.230
.219
.208
.197
.042
.101
.124
.082
Tim. .
.240
.234
.228
.222
.103
.159
.176
.143
200 Yd.
Vel. .
1024
1075
1078
1075
2541
1372
1275
1807
En...
598
845
780
650
4320
840
900
2920
Tra. .
1.07
.992
.968
.940
.186
.56
.605
.362
Tim. .
.517
.498
.492
.485
.216
.375
.389
.301
300 Yd.
Vel. .
937
997
994
981
2310
1132
1097
1631
En. ..
509
726
660
546
3570
560
675
2360
Tra. .
2.70
2.50
2.45
.242
.462
1.44
1.66
.906
Tim..
.822
.790
.783
.778
.340
.602
.645
.476
500 Yd.
Vel. .
800
874
864
838
1882
915
919
1329
En...
364
561
498
390
2370
380
475
1572
Tra. .
9.24
8.18
8.18
8.29
1.56
5.76
6.15
3.13
Tim. .
1.52
1.43
1.43
1.44
.628
1.20
1.24
.884
1000 Yd.
Vel. .
525
640
616
563
1130
585
626
965
En...
159
297
252
182
840
152
217
832
Tra. .
58.4
47.1
48.4
52.7
11.3
43.3
36.2
20.4
Tim. .
3.82
3.43
3.48
3.63
1.68
3.29
3.01
2.26
1500 Yd.
Vel. .
316
449
417
351
881
345
401
790
En. ..
52
149
117
70
510
52
90
556
Tra. .
225.
155.
169.
208.0
41.0
174.
154.
63.0
Tim. .
7.51
6.23
6.44
7.22
3.20
6.63
6.20
3.97
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$6
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$86
8^6
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§06
2204
1344
1201
1992
2150
2100
2242
2150
2050
1950
3236
1404
1602
2644
4944
5086
3349
5844
6994
7592
1897
1139
1095
1621
1944
1898
1744
1940
1850
1766
2399
1009
1350
1751
4032
4158
2026
4579
5695
6227
.086
.238
.334
.112
.086
.090
.092
.086
.095
.102
.147
.244
.289
.167
.147
.150
.152
.147
.154
.160
1623
1025
1026
1316
1752
1711
1342
1745
1667
1595
1740
819
1150
1158
3264
3390
1200
3876
4665
5103
.404
1.09
1.44
.554
.38
.402
.482
.387
.422
.462
.318
.522
.599
.372
.31
.317
.347
.311
.325
.340
1384
942
968
1112
1576
1540
1083
1567
1476
1438
1290
693
1000
828
2640
2756
780
3135
3638
4140
1.07
2.73
3.46
1.54
.96
1.00
1.50
.968
1.17
1.16
.518
.828
.933
.621
.49
.501
.612
.492
.542
.538
1078
810
871
917
1280
1255
864
1269
1210
1193
780
511
850
561
1728
1820
498
2052
2445
2844
4.16
9.24
10.9
5.95
3.31
3.49
6.25
3.39
3.94
3.96
1.02
1.52
1.65
1.22
.91
.936
1.25
.921
.994
.997
779
545
677
607
942
935
506
935
918
919
390
231
500
246
960
1013
171
1112
1410
1701
28.7
56.8
57.5
41.73
21.53
22.3
49.1
21.9
24.0
24.2
2.68
3.77
3.79
3.23
2.32
2.36
3.51
2.34
2.45
2.46
565
340
511
373
768
764
256
760
749
756
210
90
290
93
624
676
44
735
937
1143
97.6
210.2
174
162.5
66.58
69.2
237.2
67.9
72.9
72.9
4.94
7.27
6.61
6.38
4.08
4.13
7.69
4.12
4.27
4.27
Reproduced from the 14th ed. of the Newton Arms. Co. catalog, printed circa 1920.
Velocity, Energy, Penetration And Trajectory Of Winchester Bullets
And Recoil Of Rifles.
Penetration is not the measure of striking energy. As an illustration, take the figures in our table for the .30-30 Winchester Center Fire cartridge. With the soft point bullet the
penetration is but 11 boards, whereas that cartridge with the full metal patched bullet will penetrate 42 boards. The energy of both is the same. All other things being equal, the
bullet which resists deformation will give the maximum penetration. The soft pointed bullet, which generally stops inside the skin of the animal, delivers its whole energy; while
the full metal patched bullet, which passes through the animal, may make a less severe wound. Penetration, therefore, is not a good test of killing power. If the target is harder or
softer than that described in our table, the results obtained will not be the same; nor will the comparative results show corresponding differences.
Name of Rifle
Used.
Length
Barrel.
Inches.
Name of Cartridge.
Weight
of
Bullet.
Grains.
Velocity
of
Bullets
(At 50 Ft.)
Feet Per
Second.
Energy
of
Bullets
(At 50 Ft.)
Ft. Lbs.
Penetration of Bullets
in % in. Pine Boards
At 15 Ft. from Muzzle.
Trajectory of Bullets.
Free Recoil in
Foot Pounds.
100 Yds.
200 Yds.
Height at
100 Yds.
Inches.
300 Yds.
Height at
150 Yds.
Inches.
Smoke¬
less.
Black.
Lead.
Boards.
S. P.
Boards.
F. P.
Boards.
50 Yds.
Inches.
Model 1890,
24
.22 Winchester R. F.
45
1137
121
7
4.25
.32
Model 1903,
20
.22 Automatic, .
45
1025
104
7
4.80
.12
Single Shot,
26
.22 Winchester Single Shot.
45
1481
218
8
2.71
12.63
33.67
.39
.51
Lee St. Pull,
28
6 mm. U. S. Navy.
112
2500
1553
12
60
.76
3.49
9.14
7.10
Model 1892,
24
.25-20 W. C. F.
86
1300
323
9
8
11
3.30
13.78
34.69
.80
.88
Model 1892,
24
.25-20 W. H. V.
86
1650
520
10
20
1.85
9.37
26.22
1.36
Single Shot,
28
.25-20 Single Shot.
86
1304
325
9
8
11
3.35
13.61
34.68
.52
.67
Model 1894,
26
.25-35 W. C. F.
117
1925
985
11
36
1.32
6.21
16.61
3.39
Model 1894,
26
.30 W. C. F., .
170
1960
1449
11
42
1.28
5.79
15.23
7.20
Savage,
26
.303 Savage,.
180
1840
1352
12
37
1.39
6.53
17.00
8.31
Model 1895,
28
.303 British.
215
1960
1833
13
56
1.23
5.52
14.08
10.98
Model 1895,
28
.30 U. S. Army.
220
1960
1880
13
58
1.22
5.47
13.55
11.59
Model 1895,
24
.30 U. S. G. M. 03, Rimless.
220
2250
2488
14
72
.92
4.15
10.49
16.13
Model 1892,
24
.32 Winchester.
115
1177
352
6 V 2
6 V 2
10
3.46
15.37
37.21
1.11
1.24
Model 1892,
24
.32-20 W. H. V., .
115
1575
633
7
17
2.10
10.70
29.89
2.66
Model 1894,
26
.32-40 .
165
1385
702
8 V 2
8 V 2
18
2.56
12.21
31.90
3.08
4.13
Model 1894,
26
.32-40 W. H. V., .
165
1700
1058
10
30
1.70
8.23
22.08
5.45
Model 1894,
26
.32 W. S. Smokeless.
170
2050
1585
12
45
1.17
5.60
15.26
7.66
Model 1894,
26
.32 W. S. Black.
170
1385
724
9
2.56
12.21
31.90
4.41
Model 1905,
22
.32 Self-Loading.
165
1400
718
11
21
2.54
11.96
31.35
2.60
Model 1886,
24
.33 W. C. F., .
200
2000
1775
13
39
1.21
5.78
15.51
11.35
Model 1895,
24
.35 W. C. F.
250
2150
2567
15
56
1.03
4.73
12.24
19.81
Model 1905,
22
.35 Self-Loading.
180
1400
782
10
18
2.53
12.05
32.58
3.10
Model 1892,
24
.38 Winchester, .
180
1268
644
7V2
10
12
3.19
14.42
35.68
3.20
4.69
Model 1892,
24
.38-40 W. H. V., .
180
1700
1154
10
20
1.80
9.46
27.33
6.67
Model 1894,
26
.38-55.
255
1285
934
9V2
13V2
17
2.97
12.92
31.98
5.96
8.41
Model 1894,
26
.38-55 W. H. V.
255
1550
1360
10
23
2.01
9.52
25.46
9.42
Model 1886,
26
.38-56 Winchester.
255
1359
1047
11
12
15
2.82
12.23
30.14
5.76
8.13
Model 1886,
26
.38-70 Winchester.
255
1449
1190
10
12
19
2.58
10.58
27.17
7.16
10.24
Model 1895,
26
.38-72 Winchester.
275
1443
1293
16
15
25
2.24
10.58
27.67
8.70
9.40
Single Shot,
30
.38-90 Winchester Express.
217
1546
1149
9
2.05
10.15
27.49
9.58
Marlin,
28
.40-60 Marlin,.
260
1419
1163
8 V 2
2.97
11.81
29.40
7.69
Single Shot,
28
.40-69 Winchester.
210
1475
1014
9V2
2.61
11.65
30.11
6.94
Model 1886,
26
.40-65 Winchester.
260
1325
1013
9
11
14V2
2.85
12.00
30.67
6.80
8.68
Model 1886,
26
.40-70 Winchester.
330
1349
1335
13
11
19V2
2.89
11.79
29.44
9.23
12.95
Single Shot,
26
.40-70 Sharp’s Straight, .
330
1229
1108
11 V 2
3.30
13.40
32.86
11.33
Model 1895,
26
.40-72 Winchester, Black.
300
1359
1386
13
2.59
12.21
30.50
15.57
Model 1895,
26
.40-72 Winchester, Smokeless, ..
300
1386
1307
14
22
2.43
11.63
28.54
9.99
Model 1886,
26
.40-82 Winchester.
260
1445
1205
12
11
17V 2
2.56
11.92
30.32
8.79
12.19
Single Shot,
30
.40-90 Sharp s Straight, .
370
1357
1508
16
2.73
10.76
26.85
15.35
Single Shot,
30
.40-110 Winchester Express,_
260
1555
1395
12
2.07
8.95
23.63
16.73
Model 1895,
24
.405 W. C. F.
300
2150
3077
13
48
1.05
4.86
12.82
28.24
Model 1892,
24
.44 Winchester, .
200
1245
688
9
10
13
3.36
15.27
37.39
3.93
5.42
Model 1892,
24
.44-40 W. H. V.
200
1500
999
10
14
2.32
12.12
33.64
5.98
Single Shot,
30
.45-60 Winchester.
300
1271
1075
11 V 2
3.16
13.67
33.10
9.28
Model 1886,
26
.45-70-350 Winchester.
350
1307
1327
13
11
17
2.79
13.13
32.35
10.28
14.57
Model 1886,
26
.45-70-330 Gould H.,.
330
1338
1315
10
2.82
12.66
31.76
12.70
Model 1886,
26
.45-70-405 U. S. G.
405
1286
1652
13
12
18
4.12
12.33
29.00
12.27
15.21
Model 1886,
26
.45-70 W. H. V.
300
1825
2214
13
25
1.47
7.40
19.65
16.16
Model 1886,
26
.45-70-500 U. S. G.
500
1179
1542
18
15
20
3.66
14.36
34.36
15.22
18.43
Single Shot,
30
.45-75 Winchester, .
350
1343
1401
141/2
3.04
12.41
30.62
13.61
Model 1886,
26
.45-90 Winchester.
300
1480
1457
13
15
19
2.44
10.25
27.25
11.38
16.53
Model 1886,
26
.45-90 W. H. V.
300
1925
2466
14
26
1.41
6.63
17.73
18.99
Single Shot,
30
.45-125 Winchester Express,_
300
1633
1775
9V2
2.19
9.01
25.11
22.93
Single Shot,
30
.50-95 Winchester Express,.
300
1493
1484
10
2.58
12.57
33.51
17.48
Model 1886,
26
.50-110 Winchester Express,_
300
1536
1571
11
12 V 2
20
2.53
11.91
33.52
11.32
19.76
Model 1886,
26
.50-110 W. H. V.,.
300
2150
3020
14
26
1.07
5.82
17.28
25.62
Model 1886,
26
.50-100-450 Winchester, .
450
1383
1719
16
14
20
2.85
11.94
30.69
21.53
25.17
For purposes of comparison, we give herewith the free recoil of a Winchester 12 gauge repeating shotgun, and a 12 gauge double-barreled shotgun: With a load of 3V4 drams of
black powder and VU ounces of shot, the free recoil is 31.5 foot pounds. The same guns loaded with 3Vi drams of smokeless powder and 1V4 ounces of shot give a free recoil of
28.0 foot pounds.
Reproduced from the Ideal Hand Book No. 17, printed circa 1906.
Chapter 3
OBSOLETE AMERICAN RIFLE CARTRIDGES
Centerfire Sporting—Blackpowder and Smokeless
Dimensional Data
Cartridge
Case
type
Bullet
dia.
Neck
dia.
Shoulder
dia.
Base
dia.
Rim
dia.
Case
length
Ctge.
length
Twist
Primer
219 Zipper
A
.224
.252
.364
.421
.497
1.94
2.26
16
L
22-15-60 Stevens
B
.226
.243
—
.265
.342
2.01
2.26
12
S
22 Extra Long (Maynard)**
B
.228
.252
—
.252
.310
1.17
1.41
16
S-O***
22 Winchester CF
A
.228
.241
.278
.295
.342
1.39
1.61
16
S
22 Savage High Power
A
.228
.252
.360
.416
.500
2.05
2.51
12
L
244 Remington
C
.243
.276
.429
.470
.472
2.23
2.90
12
L
6mm Lee Navy
C
.244
.278
.402
.445
.448
2.35
3.11
71/2
L
25-20 Single Shot
A
.257
.275
.296
.315
.378
1.63
1.90
12-15
S
25-20 Marlin
A
.257
.274
.329
.349
.405
1.33
?
13-14
S
25-21 Stevens
B
.257
.280
—
.300
.376
2.05
2.30
14
S
25-25 Stevens
B
.257
.282
—
.323
.376
2.37
2.63
14
S
25-36 Marlin
A
.257
.281
.358
.416
.499
2.12
2.50
9
S
256 Winchester Magnum
A
.257
.283
.370
.378
.440
1.30
1.53
14
S
25 Remington
C
.257
.280
.355
.420
.421
2.04
2.54
10
L
256 (6.5mm) Newton
C
.264
.290
.430
.469
.473
2.44
3.40
10
L
6.5 Remington Magnum
E
.264
.300
.490
.512
.532
2.17
2.80
9
L
275 H&H Magnum
E
.284
.375
.375
.513
.532
2.50
3.30
9 V 2
L
7x61 Sharpe & Hart
E
.284
.320
.478
.515
.532
2.40
3.27
12
L
28-30-120 Stevens
B
.285
.309
—
.357
.412
2.51
2.82
14
L
30-30 Wesson
A
.308
.329
.330
.380
.440
1.66
2.50
12
L
30-03 Government
C
.308
.340
.441
.470
.473
2.54
3.34
10
L
30 Newton
C
.308
.340
.491
.523
.525
2.52
3.35
10-12
L
308 Norma Magnum
.308
.340
.489
.514
.529
2.56
3.30
10-12
L
32-40 Remington
A
.309
.330
.358
.453
.535
2.13
3.25
16
S
32-20 Marlin
A
.312
.326
.338
.353
.405
1.32
?
20
S
32-30 Remington
A
.312
.332
.357
.378
.437
1.64
2.01
16
s
32-35 Stevens & Maynard
B
.312
.339
—
.402
.503
1.88
2.29
16
s
32-40 Bullard
A
.315
.332
.413
.453
.510
1.85
2.26
16
s
32 Long, CF*
B
.317
.318
—
.321
.369
0.82
1.35
20
s
32 Extra Long, Ballard*
B
.317
.318
—
.321
.369
1.24
1.80
22
s
32 Winchester SL
H
.320
.343
—
.346
.388
1.28
1.88
16
s
32-40 Ballard & Win.
B
.320
.338
—
.424
.506
2.13
2.59
16
L
32 Remington
C
.320
.344
.396
.420
.421
2.04
2.57
14
L
32 Ideal
B
.323
.344
—
.348
.411
1.77
2.25
18
S
33 Winchester
A
.333
.365
.443
.508
.610
2.11
2.80
12
L
35 Winchester SL
H
.351
.374
—
.378
.405
1.14
1.64
16
S
351 Winchester SL
H
.351
.374
—. .378
.407
1.38
1.91
16
S
350 Griffin & Howe Magnum
E
.357
.382
.446
.511
.528
2.848
3.64
12
L
35 Winchester
A
.358
.378
.412
.457
.539
2.41
3.16
12
L
35 Newton
C
.358
.383
.498
.523
.525
2.52
3.35
12
L
358 Norma Magnum
E
.358
.384
.489
.508
.526
2.52
3.22
12
L
35-30 Maynard (1882)
B
.359
.395
—
.400
.494
1.63
2.03
16-18
S
35-40 Maynard (1873)
B
.360
.390
—
.400
.492
2.06
2.53
16-18
S
35-40 Maynard (1882)
B
.360
.390
—
.400
.492
2.06
2.53
16-18
S
38-45 Stevens
B
.363
.395
—
.455
.522
1.76
2.24
16-18
S
35-30 Maynard 1873
B
.364
.397
—
.403
.765
1.63
2.10
16-18
B-1
35-30 Maynard 1865
B
.370
.397
—
.408
.771
1.53
1.98
16-18
none
38-40 Remington-Hepbum
B
.372
.395
—
.454
.537
1.77
2.32
16
S
38-45 Bullard
A
.373
.397
.448
.454
.526
1.80
2.26
16-18
S
38 Long, CF*
B
.375
.378
— «
.379
.441
1.03
1.45
36
S
38 Extra Long, Ballard*
B
.375
.378
—
.379
.441
1.63
2.06
36
S
38-35 Stevens
B
.375
.402
—
.403
.492
1.62
2.43
_
S
38-50 Maynard (1882)
B
.375
.415
—
.421
.500
1.97
2.38
_
S
375 Weatherby Magnum
E
.375
.403
.495
.513
.530
2.86
3.69
12
L
38-50 Ballard
B
.376
.395
—
.425
.502
2.00
2.72
20
S
38-50 Remington-Hepbum
B
.376
.392
—
.454
.535
2.23
3.07
16
S
38-56 Winchester
A
.376
.403
.447
.506
.606
2.10
2.50
20
L
38-90 Winchester Express
A
.376
.395
.470
.477
.558
3.25
3.70
26
L
38-70 Winchester
A
.378
.403
.421
.506
.600
2.31
2.73
24
L
38-72 Winchester
A
.378
.397
.427
.461
.519
2.58
3.16
22
L
38 Colt Lightning
A
.401
.416
.438
.465
.520
1.30
?
36
S-L
38-40 Marlin
A
.401
.416
.438
.465
.520
1.30
?
36
S-L
40-50 Sharps (Straight)
B
.403
.421
—
.454
.554
1 88
2.63
18
B-1
40-50 Sharps (Necked)
A
.403
.424
.489
.501
.580
1.72
2.37
18-20
B-1
40-60 Marlin
B
.403
.425
—
.504
.604
2.11
2.55
20
S
40-63 (40-70) Ballard
B
.403
.430
—
.471
.555
2.38
2.55
20
S
40-65 Ballard Everlasting
B
.403
.435
—
.508
.600
2.38
2.55
18-20
B-1
40-70 Sharps (Straight)
B
.403
.420
—
.453
.533
2.50
3.18
18-20
L
40-70 Sharps (Necked)
A
.403
.426
.500
.503
.595
2.25
3.02
18-20
L
40-85 (40-90) Ballard
B
.403
.425
—
.477
.545
2.94
3.81
18-20
S
40-90 Sharps (Straight)
B
.403
.425
—
.477
.546
3.25
4.06
18
B-1
40-90 Sharps (Necked)
A
.403
.435
.500
.506
.602
2.63
3.44
18-20
B-1
40-110 Winchester Express
A
.403
.428
.485
.543
.651
3.25
3.63
28
L
40-60 Winchester
A
.404
.425
.445
.506
.630
1.87
2.10
40
S
40-70 Winchester
A
.405
.430
.496
.504
.604
2.40
2.85
20
L
40-70 Remington
A
.405
.434
.500
.503
.595
2.25
3.00
18-20
L
40-65 Winchester
B
.406
.423
—
.504
.604
2.10
2.48
20-26
L
40-72 Winchester
B
.406
.431
—
.460
.518
2.60
3.15
22
L
40-82 (40-75) Winchester
A
.406
.428
.448
.502
.604
2.40
2.77
28
L
401 Winchester SL
H
.406
.428
—
.429
.457
1.50
2.00
14
L
148 Cartridges of the World
Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
OBSOLETE AMERICAN RIFLE CARTRIDGES (Continued)
Cartridge
Case
type
Bullet
dia.
Neck Shoulder
dia. dia.
Base
dia.
Rim
dia.
Case
length
Ctge.
length
Twist
Primer
40-70 Peabody
A
.408
.428
.551
.581
.662
1.76
2.85
18
L
40-90 Peabody
A
.408
.433
.546
.586
.659
2.00
3.37
—
B-1
405 Winchester
B
.412
.436
—
.461
.543
2.58
3.18
14
L
40-75 Bullard
B
.413
.432
—
.505
.606
2.09
2.54
20
S
40-90 Bullard
A
.413
.430
.551
.569
.622
2.04
2.55
18
L
40-40 Maynard (.1882)
B
.415
.450
—
.456
.532
1.78
2.32
18-20
S
40-60 Maynard (1882)
B
.417
.448
—
.454
.533
2.20
2.75
18-20
S
40-70 Maynard (1882)
B
.417
.450
—
.451
.535
2.42
2.88
18-20
B-1
44 Evans Short
B
.419
.439
—
.440
.513
0.99
1.44
36
S
44 Evans Long
B
.419
.434
—
.449
.509
1.54
2.00
36
L
40-40 Maynard (1873)
B
.422
.450
—
.460
.743
1.84
2.34
18-20
B-1
40-70 Maynard (1873)
B
.422
.450
—
.451
.759
2.45
3.00
18-20
B-1
44 Henry Centerfire Flat
B
.423
.443
—
.445
.523
0.88
1.36
36
S
40-40 Maynard 1865
B
.423
.450
—
.458
.766
1.75
2.24
18-20
none
44 Game Getter/44-40 Marlin/
44 Colt Lightning
A
.427
.443
.458
.471
.520
1.31
?
36
L
44-40 Extra Long
A
.428
.442
.463
.468
.515
1.58
1.96
36
S
44 Lonq Ballard (CF)‘
B
.439
.440
—
.441
.506
1.09
1.65
36
S
44 Extra Long, Ballard (CF)‘
B
.439
.441
—
.441
.506
1.63
2.10
36
S
44 Extra Long, Wesson*
B
.440
.441
—
.441
.510
1.63
2.19
36
S
44-90 Rem. Special (Necked)
A
.442
.466
.504
.515
.628
2.44
3.08
?
L
44-100/44-90/44-110 Creedmoor
B
.442
.465
—
.503
.568
2.60
3.97
22-30
L
44-95 Peabody
A
.443
.465
.550
.580
.670
2.31
3.32
?
B-1
44-70 Maynard 1882
B
.445
.466
—
.499
.601
2.21
2.87
?
B-1
44-75 Ballard Everlasting
B
.445
.487
—
.497
.603
2.50
3.00
?
B-2
44-100 Ballard
B
.445
.485
—
.498
.597
2.81
3.25
20
L
44-100 Wesson
B
.445
?
—
.515-.520
.605-.610
3.38
3.85
?
L
44-77 Sharps & Remington
A
.446
.467
.502
.516
.625
2.25
3.05
?
L-B1
44-85 Wesson
B
.446
?
—
.515-.520
.605-.610
2.88
3.31
?
L
44-90 (44-100) Sharps 25/ 8 "
A
.446
.468
.504
.517
.625
2.63
3.30
?
B-1
44-60 Sharps & Remington
A
.447
.464
.502
.515
.630
1.88
2.55
?
L-B1
44-60 Peabody & Winchester
A
.447
.464
.502
.518
.628
1.89
2.56
?
B-1
44-60 Sharps & Remington Necked
A
.447
.464
.502
.515
.630
1.88
2.55
?
L-B1
44-100 Maynard 1873
B
.450
.490
—
.497
.759
2.88
3.46
?
B-1
45-90/44-100/44-110 Sharps
B
.451
.489
—
.500
.597
2.40,2.60
2.85
18-20
B-1
(2.4-2.6") 23/4-27/b")
2.75,2.87
3.00
45-120/450125 (3V 4 ") Sharps
B
.451
.490
—
.506
.597
3.25
4.16
18
L
45-100 Remington (Necked)
A
.452
.490
.550
.558
.645
2.63
3.26
18-20
L
45-50 Peabody
A
.454
.478
.508
.516
.634
1.54
2.08
?
?
45-60 Winchester
B
.454
.479
—
.508
.629
1.89
2.15
20
L
45-75 Winchester
A
.454
.478
.547
.559
.616
1.89
2.25
20
L
45-100 Ballard
B
.454
.487
—
.498
.597
2.81
3.25
20
L
45-125 Winchester
A
.456
.470
.521
.533
.601
3.25
3.63
36
L
45-70 Van Choate
B
.457
Same as 45-70
2.25
2.91
22
L
45-75/45-70 Sharps 2.1"
B
.457
Same as 45-70
2.10
2.90
22
L
45-78 Wolcott
B
.457
Same as 45-70
2.31
3.19
22
L
45-80 Sharpshooter
B
.457
Same as 45-70
2.40
3.25
20-22
L
45-90/45-82/45-85 Winchester
B
.457
.477
—
.501
.597
2.40
2.88
32
L
50-90 Sharps
B
.509
.528
—
.565
.663
2.50
3.20
?
L
50-140 (3V 4 ") Sharps & Winchester
B
.509/.512
.528
—
.565
.665
3.25
3.94
?
L
50-115 Bullard
G
.512
.547
.577
.585
.619
2.19
2.56
72
L
50-110/50-100/50-105 Winchester
B
.512
.534
—
.551
.607
2.40
2.75
54
L
50-50 Maynard 1882
B
.513
.535
—
.563
.661
1.37
1.91
42
L
50-95 Winchester
A
.513
.533
.553
.562
.627
1.94
2.26
60
L
50-70 Maynard 1873
B
.514
.547
—
.552
.760
1.88
2.34
42
B-1
50 U.S. Carbine
B
.515
.535
—
.560
.660
?
?
?
B-1
50-70 Govt. Musket
B
.515
.535
—
.565
.660
1.75
2.25
24-42
L
50 Sporting
50 Maynard 1865
B
.520
.543
—
.545
.770
1.24
1.75
42
none
55-100 Maynard 1882
B
.551
.582
—
.590
.718
1.94
2.56
?
L
58 Carbine, Berdan
B
.589
.625
—
.640
.740
?
?
?
B-2
58 Berdan Musket U.S.
B
.589
.625
—
.646
.740
1.75
2.15
68
B-1
70-150 Winchester
A
.705
.725
.790
.805
.870
2.18
2.63
?
L
A—Rjm, bottleneck B—Rim, Straight C—Rimless, bottleneck D—Rimless, straight E—Belted, Bottlenck F—Belted, straight G—Semi-rimmed, straight H—Semi-
rimmed, straight I—Rebated, bottleneck
Primer: S—Small rifle (.175") L—Large rifle (.210") B-1—Berdan #1 B-2—Berdan #2
‘Cartridges so marked used an outside lubricated bullet when originally introduced, and this was of a diameter about the same as the neck or shell mouth. Later,
inside lubricated loadings used a much smaller diameter bullet than listed, usually with a long, hollow base. Before the recent advent of effective wax-type lubricants,
outside lubricated bullets were never very popular or effective. The inside lubricated hollow-base bullets were cleaner to handle and use and the hollow base was
intended to expand the bullet to fit the larger barrel. This never worked very well and accuracy suffered.
“Original 22-10-45 Maynard case length was 1.25".
“‘This is a blackpowder primer smaller than the small rifle or pistol size. It has not been made for many years.
Note on blackpowder primers: Not all companies used the same primer type or size in the same caliber or length case. For example, the 45-70 or its equivalent was
usually loaded with the large rifle size primer. However, the Marlin version had the small rifle size and Sharps Co. ammunition had Berdan primers. Primer type and
size listed is what appears to have been the most general size and type used.
Unless otherwise noted, all dimensions are in inches.
8th Edition 149
Chapter 4
WILDCAT CARTRIDGES
(Rifle and Handgun)
WE HAVE taken the occasion of this 8th Edition to
accomplish something that probably should have been
done from the beginning—creating separate chapters for
wildcat and proprietary cartridge listings. This chapter,
therefore, will concern itself only with wildcat cartridges.
Wildcat cartridges have been around for a long time, at
least 100 years. Originally, wildcats were developed by
some gunsmith or individual experimenter attempting to
improve on the ballistics of a commercial cartridge in
order to fulfill a personal or special requirement, possibly
to increase the effective range for varmint shooting or the
knockdown power on big game. I don’t know who coined
the term “wildcat” to describe these efforts, but for our
purposes we will define wildcat cartridges as: cartridge
designs and loads not available from major manufactur¬
ers as over-the-counter ammunition or cartridges not gen¬
erally available even in custom loadings. To shoot wildcat
cartridges you have to load them yourself or contract that
loading with a custom handloader.
There has been a great proliferation of wildcat car¬
tridges during the past decade or so, some quite good and
some not so good. In some instances the wildcat filled, or
was perceived to fill, some niche not accommodated by
commercially available ammunition. Good examples
include the 35 Whelen and the 458 Alaskan. The former
lingered in wildcat limbo for a generation before being
commercially adopted. The latter, though certainly useful,
will likely never achieve commercialization chiefly
because the only rifle appropriate for it was long ago dis¬
continued. In other instances the only basis for a wildcat
was to offer ballistics previously unavailable in a certain
type of firearm such as the entire genre of current Thomp¬
son/Center custom chamberings. Benchresters have long
experimented with wildcats, creating designs where the
only criteria is potential inherent accuracy. These wildcats
are built to precisely fit a single firearm, and though they
are nominally of the same specifications, cannot be inter¬
changed in other so-chambered firearms with impunity.
Because there is considerable renewed interest in wild¬
cat developments, the editor has enlarged this section of
the book. Some of the additional material is new, but the
older wildcats of historical or developmental interest are
also included because many of the younger or new shoot¬
ers don’t know that they exist. This is probably one rea¬
son for the development of wildcats that are really just a
variation on a theme and don’t offer anything new.
It is quite impossible to include every known wildcat
cartridge because there are simply too many of them. For¬
mer editions claimed there were over 300 known. I sus¬
pect the number now is in the thousands. Also, it hasn’t
been possible to gather all of the necessary information on
many of them. Furthermore, wildcat cartridges tend to be
very regional in nature; what is popular in one area may
be completely unknown in the rest of the country. Even
wildcats that have been written up and published in gun
magazines may have only a limited following. Probably
the best indicator of the popularity of a cartridge is the
number of loading die sets sold in that particular caliber.
RCBS in Oroville, California is the world’s largest manu¬
facturer of wildcat loading and case-forming dies. They
will make up special-order die sets to your specifications
at relatively moderate prices. Quite a few wildcat car¬
tridges have retained sufficient popularity over the years
to warrant RCBS carrying them as standard stock items.
Less popular ones are available on special order, subject to
minor delays in delivery.
For many years, the trend in wildcat cartridge develop¬
ment has been toward increased case capacity and higher
velocity. At the present time, wildcat cartridge design and
chambering for the sake of improved performance has
declined from enthusiastic to almost nonexistence. The
reason, I think I can venture forth without incurring too
much wrath, is a maturity among shooters. We have
matured into the realization that there really are no mag¬
ic cartridges. Within safe pressure parameters, no wildcat
chambering in any standard brass case chambered in any
standard gun is going to deliver ballistics significantly dif¬
ferent from what is already out there in commercial form.
Of course, some will disagree, and I will have to admit
that there are always exceptions. However, it is safe to say
that the vast majority of recent wildcatting has been
directed toward filling gun-type chambering niches, e.g.,
the aforementioned Thompson/Center chamberings.
Wildcat cartridges are made in a number of ways, from
the simple to the more complex. They can be grouped into
basic categories: those with increased case capacity cre¬
ated by modifying an existing cartridge; those with
unusual case capacity for bore diameter, made by necking
a case that is larger or smaller than any common com¬
mercial example, up or down; those with unusual bullet
sizes, created by necking an existing case to accept a dif¬
ferent size bullet; those with unusually close cartridge to
150 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
chamber tolerances, building the rifle and loading dies to
match the custom handloaded ammunition. Let’s look at
some examples. One of the very early wildcats was the 22
Hornet, wildcatted before it became a commercial num¬
ber. In this instance no change in the brass case was
required since it was based on the 22 WCF blackpowder
cartridge, which was simply loaded with smokeless pow¬
der and jacketed 45-grain bullets from the 5.5mm Velo
Dog revolver cartridge. Early wildcats were rather sim¬
ple and are good examples of taking a standard commer¬
cial cartridge case and necking it either up or down. The
35 Whelen is an example of the former, the 25-06 the lat¬
ter, both being based on the standard 30-06 case. The
Improved line of cartridges are examples of increasing
performance in the original case in an uncomplicated
manner. Here, the standard cartridge is fired in the
improved chamber from where it emerges with less body
taper and a sharper shoulder angle. This increases pow¬
der capacity, and in some instances, the improved case
when reloaded does indeed provide better performance.
The Ackley improved 250 Savage and 257 Roberts cham¬
bering, along with the various improved versions of the
300 H&H Magnum, are good examples of improved wild¬
cats that do indeed result in substantial ballistic
enhancement over the original cartridge. The same can¬
not be said of some of the others.
One of the advantages of improved chambers is that
they will also chamber and fire the original factory car¬
tridge. This is very handy if you happen to run out of
improved reloads in some place far from home. There is, of
course, a slight reduction in velocity when standard
ammunition is fired in the improved chamber, but this is a
minor factor.
There are a few wildcat cartridges that are rather com¬
plicated to make, requiring extensive reforming and trim¬
ming, turning the rim or neck down on a lathe or even
swaging a belt on the base of the case. Such cartridges are,
in my opinion, impractical for the average shooter. If a
wildcat is to achieve any degree of popularity, it must be
relatively simple and easy to form the brass case, other¬
wise its use will be confined to a handful of professionals.
This is something to keep in mind if you happen to be
working on a wildcat project you hope will one day become
a commercial success.
8th Edition 151
Chapter 4
Some readers probably think that if someone develops
a popular wildcat and it is eventually adopted by one of
the big commercial ammunition companies he will make a
lot of money. Not true; he will be lucky if he even gets
credit as the originator. No major company is going to
adopt a wildcat cartridge until it has a long-term proven
track record. By that time, it will have been around so
long it will fall into the category of general public knowl¬
edge, and no one will have any claim to it. It is also futile
to patent a cartridge design because any slight variation
becomes a new cartridge. I mention this because every
now and again we hear from someone who thinks devel¬
oping a “new” cartridge is the road to fame and fortune.
There are a good number of commercial cartridges that
originated as wildcats. Some prime examples are: 17 Rem¬
ington, 22 Hornet, 22-250 Remington, 243 Winchester,
244 Remington, 257 Roberts, 25-06 Remington, 280 Rem¬
ington, 7mm-08 Remington, 7-30 Waters and the 35 Whe-
len. There are also a number of commercial cartridges
that are variations of what were originally wildcats. These
include practically all of the American 7mm and 30-cal¬
iber factory magnum cartridges. Remington has been the
leader in adopting wildcat designs, and this has been very
beneficial to the shooting sports.
Working with wildcat cartridges is very instructive,
and those of us who have done so have learned a great
deal about the relationship between case size and configu¬
ration, bore diameter and powder combustion. One of the
areas that has provided some real surprises is in working
with the short cartridges with case lengths of around IV 2
inches or so. This is a trend that was actually begun by
the Germans during WWII with their 7.92x33mm assault
rifle cartridge, which has a case only 1.30 inches long. The
Russians, who were on the receiving end of this innova¬
tion, recognized a good idea when they saw one and so
developed their 7.62x39mm (M43) cartridge with a case
1.52 inches long.
As a group, wildcatters tend to be advanced handload-
ers and true devotees of the shooting sports. Wildcat rifles
and cartridges are also a good topic of conversation around
the hunting campfire, and if you happen to have one, it
sort of sets you apart as someone who is at least a little
above average in gun knowledge. However, one should
never enter lightly into the wildcat arena because this
usually entails a custom-built rifle, plus the investment in
forming and loading dies. Rifles chambered for wildcat
cartridges are much more difficult to trade or sell in the
event you decide that what you have is not exactly what
you want. Wildcat cartridges and the individuals who
work with and develop them have contributed some major
advances to our knowledge as well as a number of very
fine cartridges to the commercial line-up. Large compa¬
nies such as Federal, Remington and Winchester are by
nature rather conservative and not inclined to market
something that won’t sell. It is in the area of innovation
and breaking new ground that the wildcatters make their
major contribution, and we haven’t seen the end yet. No
telling what great ideas will come to fruition over the next
decade or so.
Pocket Manual for Shooters and Reloaders by Parker
O. Ackley. Salt Lake City, 1964.
Practical Dope on the .22 by F.C. Neww. New York and
Harrisburg, PA, 1947.
Small Game and Varmint Rifles by Heniy F. Stebbins.
New York City, 1950.
Twenty-Two Caliber Varmint Rifles by Charles S. Lan¬
dis. Plantersville, SC, 1947.
Why Not Load Your Own? by Colonel Townsend Whe-
len. Washington, DC, 1949 and later eds.
Wildcat Cartridges by Richard F. Simmons. New York
City, 1947.
Woodchucks and Woodchuck Rifles by C.S. Landis.
New York City, 1951.
152 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
14-222
m rp® .
Historical Notes In the decade following WWII, there was con¬
siderable interest and experimentation with sub-caliber car¬
tridges of 14- and even 12-caliber. Although interest subsided, it
never completely died out, and a small but persistent group con¬
tinued to work with the 14-caliber. The 14-222 is the latest of
these cartridges and was originated by Helmut W. Sakschek
about 1985. It is based on the 222 Remington case necked-down
to 14-caliber. Information covering the cartridge was published
in the 1988 issue (20th Edition) of Guns Illustrated, DBI Books,
Inc., edited by Harold A. Murtz. Mild report and practically zero
recoil are characteristics of these small-caliber rifles. With initial
velocities of over 4000 fps, they are quite deadly on small and
even large animals.
General Comments An 11-grain bullet starting out at 4465 fps
develops 505 fpe, which doesn’t sound very impressive. However,
anything moving at such hypervelocity imparts a sizable portion
of that velocity to the molecular structure of whatever it impacts,
with devastating results. On the other hand, once the remaining
velocity drops below about 3500 fps, the effectiveness of these
small, lightweight bullets diminshes rapidly, so they are not real¬
ly all that good for long-range shooting. There are also many
problems with working with such small projectiles. For example,
metal fouling can be a serious problem and such cartridges gen¬
erally exhibit extreme sensitivity to charge variations. Wind drift
with such light projectiles is also a frequent complaint. Some old¬
er 14-caliber cartridges used bullets of 20 to 25 grains which are
easier to handle and load, but can not be pushed at quite the
velocity of the lighter projectiles. In any event, the sub-calibers
are extremely interesting and represent an area that may see
additional development. Barrels in 14-caliber are currently avail¬
able from Mateo Inc., P.O. Box 349, North Manchester, Indiana
46962. Bullet-making equipment is available through Corbin,
Inc., P.O. Box 2659, White City, Oregon 97503.
14-222 Reloading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
11.4 HP
IMR 4198
20
4200
445
11.4 HP
IMR 3031
21
4465
505
Left to right—factory 222 Rem. case, three stages of progressively
swaged necks, resized case with the neck turned to correct thick¬
ness, fir-formed case trimmed to length, and finished 14-222 with
bullet seated.
17 Hornet (Ackley)
Historical Notes The 17 Ackley Hornet is simply the 22 Hornet
Improved necked-down to 17-caliber. It was originated by P.O.
Ackley in the early 1950s, and he describes this cartridge as one
of the most balanced of the 17-caliber cartridges. Although small,
it delivers ballistics equal to some of the larger 17-caliber car¬
tridges. It is an effective 200-yard varmint cartridge and is quite
accurate. It is normally used in single shot rifles, although the
small Sako bolt action was favored by many because it was made
to handle rimmed cartridges such as the 22 Hornet or 218 Bee.
General Comments The 17 Hornet is a good cartridge for use
in settled areas where a mild report and minimum ricochet are
desirable characteristics. It is one of the most accurate of the 17
calibers. Its use should be confined to varmint shooting. The stan¬
dard twist is 1 in 10 inches, the same as most other 17-caliber
rifles. Reportedly, IMR 4198 gives the most uniform results,
although Ball BL-C2 as well as several of the newer powders
should work well.
17 Ackley Hornet Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
25 HP
BL-C2
15.0
3040
510
25 HP
IMR 4198
11.0
3300
600
Ackley
25 HP
IMR 4198
12.0
3585
710
Ackley
25 HP
H-4227
11.5
3570
705
Ackley
8th Edition 153
Chapter 4
17 Ackley Bee
Historical Notes The 17 Ackley Bee is a step up from the 17
Hornet as it is based on the 218 Improved Bee case, which has
larger powder capacity than the Improved Hornet case. It was
developed by P.O. Ackley back in the 1950s, and he considered it
the ideal small case for a 17-caliber cartridge. There is relatively
little gain in ballistic performance by using cartridge cases larger
than the 17 Bee. In fact, cases of very much larger capacity often
produce erratic results and poor accuracy.
General Comments The 17 Bee, like the 17 Hornet, is cham¬
bered mostly in single shot rifles, usually of the under-lever
type. Bolt actions are sometimes used but will not always han¬
dle the rimmed case well when feeding from the magazine. The
small Sako bolt action was favored when available. Like most of
the smaller 17-caliber cartridges, the 17 Bee is noted for its mild
report and low recoil. It is a good 200- to 225-yard varmint car¬
tridge for use in settled areas. P.O. Ackley recommended IMR
4198, or H4198, as the propellant that produces the most uni¬
form results, and there are several new choices recently avail¬
able that whould work as well. Bullets are available from
Homady.
17 Ackley Bee Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
20
H-4227
11.0
3845
655
Ackley
25 HP
BL-C2
16.5
3190
565
25 HP
H-335
17.0
3285
595
25 HP
IMR 4198
13.0
3180
555
17 Mach IV
Historical Notes Introduced by the O’Brian rifle company of
Las Vegas, Nevada, this cartridge was intended to offer simple
case conversion and good ballistics. It succeeded on both counts
but could not compete against a factory chambering, i.e., the 17
Remington.
General Comments This short cartridge can be used in short
rifle actions. Efficiency is much better than the various full-pow¬
er 17s available. This diminutive chambering can produce over
3850 fps with 25-grain bullets and is fully capable of delivering
good varmint accuracy to about 250 yards, perhaps a bit further
on a calm day. Muzzle blast is in a different league from larger
17s and the various high-performance 22s. While by no means
“quiet,” the 17 Mach IV generates so much less report that this
difference is significant. Use of the faster powders listed, while
necessitating a slight velocity sacrifice, results in much quieter
loads. Since it uses significantly less powder than the 17 Reming¬
ton, the 17 Mack IV generally produces much less barrel fouling,
an important consideration in this diminutive bore size.
17 Mach IV Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
25
2400
13.1
3600
720
Homady
25
H4227
14.6
3700
760
Homady
25
H4198
15.6
3700
760
Homady
25
2015BR
18.5
3850
820
Accurate
25
2230
20.3
3861
825
Accurate
25
2460
20.5
3883
835
Accurate (Compressed)
25
2520
20.5
3768
785
Accurate (Compressed)
154 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
17/222
Historical Notes The 17/222 is simply the 222 Remington
case necked-down to 17-caliber. There are several versions of
this cartridge, but the one listed here is the most popular.
The 17/222 dates back to about 1957, possibly earlier. Many
shooters considered the 17/222 more accurate and less sensi¬
tive to load variations than the wildcat 17/223, which was
the forerunner of the later 17 Remington. P.O. Ackley con¬
sidered the 222 Remington case about maximum capacity for
the 17-caliber and states in his book, Handbook for Shooters
and Reloaders , that larger cases tend to be inflexible. Those
who have experimented with larger cases have usually found
he is right.
General Comments The 17/222 did not achieve great popular¬
ity, but was well liked by those who worked with it. Performance
is practically the same as the 17 Remington which has a larger
case. Best accuracy is usually with IMR 4198 powder and the 25-
grain bullet. Recommended twist is 1 in 10 inches. Cases are sim¬
ple and easy to form by necking-down 222 Remington brass with
no other modification. There has been some renewed interest in
this cartridge during the past couple of years.
17/222 Loading Data*
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
20
IMR 4198
18.0
4348
840
Ackley
25 HP
IMR 4198
15.0
3226
575
Ackley
25 HP
IMR 4198
17.0
3704
760
Ackley
25 HP
IMR 3031
18.0
3704
760
Ackley
'Warning: 17-caliber cartridges are very sensitive to slight changes in loading density.
Reduce all above loads by 10 percent and work up in 0.2-grain increments.
Shilen
17-223
Historical Notes This cartridge is very similar to the 17 Rem¬
ington but is based on the 223 Remington, rather than the 222
Remington Magnum. It is anybody’s guess who might have been
the first gunsmith to neck down the commercialized 5.56mm.
Likely this conversion occurred almost immediately after Rem¬
ington offered the 223 as a standard chambering. Just as likely
many gunsmiths thought of this at the same time. The 17-223
can be considered one of the logical forebears of the 17 Reming¬
ton, although the latter is unique.
General Comments The 17-223 has a very short neck, but con¬
sidering the diminutive projectiles normally available, this does
not seem to be much of a concern to those who load it. Capacity,
pressure and performance are practically identical to the 17 Rem¬
ington and the advent of general good availability of 223 cases
has spurred a resurgence of this cartridge’s popularity. For the
handloader it can be considerably less expensive to shoot than the
17 Remington.
17-223 Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
25
H4198
21.1
4000
885
Homady
25
IMR 3031
22.5
4000
885
Homady
25
IMR 4320
24.4
4000
885
Homady
25
IMR 4064
24.9
4000
885
Homady
8th Edition 155
Chapter 4
MMJ 5.7mm
Historical Notes This cartridge, also known as the 5.7mm
Johnson or 22 Spitfire, was introduced in 1963 for the Johnson
Guns, Inc. alteration of the U.S. Ml Carbine. This was a clip-fed
semi-auto with a folding stock advertised as a survival gun. Pro¬
duction was later undertaken in limited numbers by Plainfield in
New Jersey. The package was designed by Melvin M. Johnson,
author, Marine colonel, and the man responsible for the Johnson
semi-auto rifle and light machinegun of WWII fame.
General Comments The MMJ 5.7mm is based on the 30 Car¬
bine cartridge necked-down to 22-caliber. It is a very efficient
cartridge and, like others of this class, gives performance out of
all proportion to its size. As a sporting round, its use would be
limited to small or medium game and varmint shooting. In a
survival situation, it would certainly kill deer, but 22-caliber
rifles are not classed for big game in most states. Down in Mex¬
ico or Central or South America where animals are not nearly
as tough or tenacious as in Africa, the 5.7mm Spitfire would
make a dandy explorer’s weapon. One could handle anything
found in the jungle with it, two- or four-legged. A similar wild¬
cat is known as the 22 Carbine.
MMJ 5.7mm Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
40 HP
IMR 4227 14.0
2850
720
40 HP
2400 12.0
3000
795
50 HP
IMR 4198 14.0
2700
810
222 Rimmed
Historical Notes The 222 Rimmed originated in Australia in
the 1960s as a cartridge for single shot rifles, particularly the
small Martini action. The 224 R-C Maxi, based on the necked-
down 357 Maximum, practically duplicates the 222 Rimmed
because both have the same volumetric capacity as the 222 Rem¬
ington. Cases are manufactured in Australia and have been
available through Jack C. Miller, Shooters Supplies Pty., 302
Russell Street, Melbourne, Australia. Headstamp is SUPER, 222.
General Comments This is a good cartridge and can duplicate
anything the 222 Remington can do and is useful for the same
range of game. The cases tend to be a little heavier than the 222
Remington, and while loading data for the 222 can be used, it
should be reduced by 1-grain when approaching maximum.
American shooters might be better served to go with the 224 R-C
Maxi because the basic 357 Maximum brass is easier to come by
than the Australian rimmed case and the performance of the two
is virtually identical. Brass can be made from RWS 5.6x50Rmm
cases, but they are relatively expensive.
222 Rimmed Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
45 HP
H-335
24
3450
1185
Near Max.
50 SP
H-335
23
3162
1110
Near Max.
55 SP
IMR 3031
21
3070
1148
Near Max.
70 SP
H-414
24
2880
1288
Near Max.
Warning: All loads near maximum—data should be reduced by 10 percent and worked up slowly.
156 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
224 Harvey Kay-Chuk
Historical Notes The late Jim Harvey of Lakeville Arms Co.,
Lakeville, Connecticut, developed this cartridge about 1956-57. It
was intended for converted S&W K-22 revolvers. It is based on
the K-Homet wildcat cartridge, but there is also a 224 Kay-Chuk
Jr., which is the standard 22 Hornet case trimmed back slightly.
This cartridge is noted as being the inspiration for the Remington
22 Jet cartridge.
General Comments The idea of a high-velocity 22 handgun
cartridge appealed to no small number of handgun hunters. What
they wanted was light recoil combined with flat trajectory. The
224 Kay-Chuk accomplished this better than any previous hand¬
gun cartridge and, in fact, is superior in performance to that
developed by the S&W 22 Jet revolver. A light 37-grain bullet
designed by the late Kent Bellah, a noted writer and firearms
authority, is usually used. He did much to introduce the Harvey-
designed zinc base and half-jacketed revolver bullets. The 224
Kay-Chuk is one of the most effective small game and varmint
cartridges available for the handgun. Unfortunately, it’s a wild¬
cat, hence not available on an over-the-counter, commercial basis.
It has a straight body and sharp shoulder, unlike the long taper of
the 22 Jet. Users of the 224 Kay-Chuk have told me they do not
have the extraction trouble and sticking cases that bother some
22 Jet users.
224 Harvey Kay-Chuk Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
40 SP
2400 9.5
1652
254
40 SP
Unique 5.0
1650
242
The 224 Harvey Kay-Chuk
was used in converted S&W
Model 17 (K-22) revolvers. At
one time, it was a highly popu¬
lar conversion.
22 K-Hornet
Historical Notes Originated by Lysle Kilboum in 1940, this
was one of the first of the so-called “improved” cartridges. It is
based on the fire-formed and blown-out 22 Hornet case with
straight body, sharp shoulder and short neck. There are other
versions, but this is the most popular and is representative of the
lot. It has been used for a good many years and is still popular in
varmint shooting circles. Extensive experience with this cartridge
in the Thompson Contender show fairly substantial improve¬
ments over the 22 Hornet.
General Comments The popularity of the 22 K-Homet was
based on increased performance, plus the fact that any regular
factory-loaded ammunition could also be fired in the same cham¬
ber. In addition, the conversion is quite cheap, and any Hornet
rifle can be rechambered. Ammunition is no problem because the
round is based on easily-obtainable factory ammunition. It brings
the 22 Hornet into the same class as the 218 Bee with the added
advantage that the 22 Hornet was chambered in several good
bolt-action rifles. It is suitable for the same range of varmints and
small game as the 218 Bee. Those lucky enough to find an origi¬
nal Kimber rifle chambered for the 22 K-Homet can pride them¬
selves in owning a suberb rifle.
22 K-Hornet Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
45 SP
IMR 4227
12.5
2875
825
Ackley
45 SP
2400
11.5
2900
840
Ackley
45
IMR 4198
14.5
2800
780
Ackley
50 SP
2400
11.0
2700
810
Ackley
8th Edition 157
Chapter 4
R-2 Lovell
Historical Notes The development of the R-2 Lovell is unusual
because it is an example of a wildcat cartridge developed from
what was originally a wildcat. It is believed to have been devel¬
oped in 1937 by Harvey Donaldson from New York. It derived its
name from the fact that the second chambering reamer (made by
M.S. Risley, Earlville, NY) appeared to be correct in providing
what the designer was striving to produce. It is actually an
Improved or blown-out version of the original 22 Lovell or 22-
3000 developed by Harvey Lovell about 1934. Both are based on
the obsolete 25-20 Single Shot case necked down, itself a wildcat
when it first appeared in 1882.
General Comments The R-2 Lovell is probably the most
popular wildcat 22-caliber cartridge ever designed. It was so
popular that the late J. Bushnell Smith of Middlebury, Ver¬
mont, and Griffin & Howe of New York City custom-loaded
ammunition in large quantities; when the supply of 25-20
Single Shot cases was exhausted, Griffin & Howe arranged
for the manufacture of R-2 cases. This is a fine varmint car¬
tridge and was often chambered in bolt-action and single shot
rifles, where it delivered excellent accuracy. Performance is
pretty close to the 222 Remington, but the R-2 Lovell has long
since been displaced by this more recent factory chambering,
and it is not a good choice since suitable cases are no longer
available.
R-2 Lovell Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
45 SP
IMR 4227
8.0
45 SP
IMR 4227
16.0
50 SP
IMR 4198
17.0
55 SP
IMR 4198
17.0
MV
ME
Source
1880
350
Ackley
3280
1070
Ackley
3050
1030
Ackley
3050
1135
Ackley
22 Super Jet
Historical Notes The 22 Super Jet was developed by gun writer
Dan Cotterman and the data first published in the July, 1962
issue of Gun World magazine. It is based on the 22 Remington
Jet, which is fire-formed in the 22 Super Jet chamber. It can also
be formed from 357 Magnum brass cases because it is essentially
the 357 necked-down to 22. There are several versions of this car¬
tridge, but they are all very similar. The Ackley version, or
Improved Jet, and the 22 Sabre Cat by Christian Helbig are prac¬
tically identical, and loading data can be used interchangeably
with the same results. These cartridges are also very similar in
performance to the 218 Mashbum Bee. Their primary purpose is
to provide a rimmed case for use in single shot rifles.
General Comments These relatively small 22 centerfire car¬
tridges are ballistically superior to the factory 218 Bee and will
push the 45-grain bullet an extra 200 to 300 fps in muzzle veloci¬
ty. They are effective cartridges for their intended purpose, but
the Mashbum Bee will do as well or better, and is less trouble to
make. The one advantage they have over the Mashbum Bee is
that 357 Magnum brass is plentiful and cheap. The Super Jets
are good 200-yard plus varmint cartridges.
22 Super Jet Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
45 SP
IMR 4198
17.0
45 SP
IMR 4227
16.5
50
Ball C
21.0
50 SP
IMR 4227
16
MV
ME
Source
3300
1085
Ackley
3385
1140
Ackley
2975
980
Ackley
3195
1130
Ackley
Many older single shot
rifles were chambered for
wildcats to give varmint
shooters extra reach.
158 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
218 Mashburn Bee
t
Historical Notes The 218 Mashburn Bee is an improved ver¬
sion of the factory 218 Bee. Cases are made by firing factory
ammunition in the Mashburn chamber, so no special case-form¬
ing dies are required. The cartridge was the work of A.E. Mash-
bum of the Mashburn Arms Company in Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma. As near as can be determined, the cartridge originat¬
ed in about 1940 or thereabouts. The improved case produced bet-
ter ballistics than the original Bee and also offered longer case life
when reloaded. There are other Improved versions of the 218 Bee,
but they are all pretty much alike. The Mashburn Bee will deliv¬
er about the same velocity with the 55-grain bullet as the factory
Bee does with the 45-grain bullet.
General Comments The Mashburn Bee was fairly popular
until the advent of the 222 Remington. It was, and still is, a very
accurate varmint cartridge. The best powders for loading these
small cartridges are IMR 4198 and IMR 4227.
218 Mashburn Bee Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
40 HP
IMR 4227 16.5
3300
960
45 SP
IMR 4227 16.3
3319
1100
Ackley
50 SP
IMR 4198 17.3
3300
1210
Ackley
224 R-C Maxi
Historical Notes The 224 R-C Maxi was developed by Don Ris-
si and Jack Chechowitz, both of Reno, Nevada in 1987. Most of
the work was done while the two were students attending the
NRA summer gunsmithing classes at Lassen College in
Susanville, California. The cartridge is based on the 357 Reming¬
ton Maximum necked-down to 22-caliber. This provides a
rimmed case with practically the same capacity as the 222 Rem¬
ington, and loading data for the 222 Remington can be used with
similar results, but should be reduced by 10 percent when start¬
ing to work up loads. The cartridge is similar to the 5.6x47Rmm,
but shorter. The purpose of the cartridge was to provide a rimmed
version of the 222 Remington for use in single shot rifles and pis¬
tols such as the small Martini or the Thompson/Center. The orig¬
inators used 222 Remington dies to form the case along with a
RCBS 357 shellholder with .002-inch ground off to achieve prop¬
er shoulder placement.
General Comments The 224 R-C Maxi, like the 222 Reming¬
ton, is an accurate cartridge suitable for target or varmint shoot¬
ing. It can cover the same use range as the 222 Remington where
a rimmed cartridge is desirable. Brass 357 Remington Maximum
cases are available in larger sporting goods stores, and this case is
simple to form without a lot of expensive dies or other equipment.
There are other versions of this cartridge and, of course, the stan¬
dard 357 Magnum has been necked-down to 22-caliber (see the
22 Jet-Ackley). The 22 Remington Jet is also based on the 357
Magnum case. These cartridges are in the same class, but those
made from 357 Maximum cases hold more powder and can gen¬
erate more power at any given maximum pressure.
224 R-C Maxi Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
45
BL-C2
23
3265
1063
45
H-335
24
3410
1155
50
H-335
23
3120
1078
55
IMR 3031
22
3200
1249
8th Edition 159
Chapter 4
22 Waldog
Historical Notes The 22 Waldog was originated by Dan Dowl¬
ing of Accuracy Gunsmithing in Arvada, Colorado in 1980. He
named it after a friend, Waldo G. Woodside, thus the Waldog or
Waldo-G. The cartridge is made by running 220 Russian cases
through a shortened 22/250 die and trimming the case to a length
of 1.375 inches. It is, in effect, a shortened 22 PPC. The idea was
to create a more efficient case than the 22 PPC by reducing the
volumetric capacity to approximately that of the 222 Remington.
The cartridge has been used, thus far, exclusively in heavy
benchrest rifles. Several 100-yard benchrest world records have
been broken by 22 Waldog caliber rifles.
General Comments The 22 Waldog is another effort to
develop a super accurate benchrest cartridge. The current
trend is toward smaller, more efficient cases, and the Waldog
has proven to be a very accurate cartridge. The best accuracy
has been obtained with 52-grain match bullets and 24 grains of
H-322 powder, but any powder that works well in the 222 Rem¬
ington should give comparable results in the Waldog. Although
not as widely used as the 22 PPC, the Waldog has found a sig¬
nificant following among benchrest shooters. It is similar to the
308xl.5-inch necked down to 22 -caliber, also known as the 22
Remington BR, as the two have similar case capacities. How¬
ever, the 22 Remington BR case length is about 0.12-inch
longer than the Waldog. Commercial availability of 22 Rem¬
ington BR brass will probably give the edge to the Remington
cartridge in the future.
219 Donaldson Wasp
Historical Notes This cartridge originated in 1937, shortly
after the 219 Zipper was introduced by Winchester. It is made by
shortening, re-necking and blowing-out 219 Zipper cases. The
Donaldson Wasp became the most popular version of such adap¬
tations, and more or less the standard. Many benchrest matches
have been won with the 219 Wasp, and it has a well-deserved rep¬
utation for excellent accuracy. It has been used mostly in custom-
made single shot rifles because of the rimmed case.
General Comments The 219 Wasp is another 22 wildcat that
achieved notable, continued popularity. It is one of the better
wildcat numbers, but like most of the other offbeat 22 s, has been
overshadowed by the 222 Remington. The 219 Improved Zipper
developed by P.O. Ackley in 1938 is a more practical cartridge
because it is made by simply fire-forming standard 219 Zipper
cases in the Improved chamber. The improved version offers
velocities similar to the standard Wasp with significantly lower
pressures. Cases for these wildcats can also be made from 25-35
and 30-30 brass. It is claimed by some authorities that breech
pressures developed by popular loads in the Wasp can run as
high as 55,000 to 60,000 psi.
219 Donaldson Wasp Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
45 SP
3031
30.0
3780
1425
Ackley
45 SP
H380
33.0
3510
1215
50 SP
IMR 4064
32.0
3605
1440
Ackley
50 SP
H-380
32
3370
1255
22 BR Remington
Historical Notes The 22 BR Remington is based on the
308 xlV 2 -inch Barnes case necked-down to 22 -caliber and length¬
ened by 0.020-inch with the shoulder angle increased to 30
degrees. It is difficult to determine who originated the 22 version
of the necked-down 308x1V 2 -inch because there are a number of
them dating back to about 1963. J. Stekl is credited with having
developed the Remington rendition. In any event, Remington
standardized the dimensions in 1978 as their 22 BR. It is one of a
series of BR cartridges including the 6 mm and 7mm, all based on
the same case. The 22 BR is a factory wildcat because loaded
ammunition is not available. Brass must be made from special
Remington or necked BR cases which have a small rifle primer
pocket, or from full-size Remington 6 mm or 7mm BR cases. The
22 BR has won many honors in benchrest competition and has
great accuracy potential.
General Comments The 22 BR is similar to the 22 PPC but
has a case of larger base diameter and slightly greater powder
capacity with the same case length. There isn’t anything one can
do that the other can’t duplicate. Both can push a 55-grain bullet
at over 3000 fps and duplicate the performance of the 223 Rem¬
ington. Both are extremely accurate and make excellent varmint
cartridges as well as benchrest competitors.
22 BR Remington Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
53 HP Homady
2460 32.8
3653
1570
Accurate, 26" bbl.
55 BT Nosier
2460 32.5
3605
1585
Accurate, 26" bbl.
60 HP Homady
2460 31.7
3455
1590
Accurate, 26" bbl.
160 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
22/30-30 Improved
Historical Notes This is another P.O. Ackley innovation, and
is the full-length 30-30 Winchester case necked down and fire-
formed to produce minimum body taper and a 40-degree shoulder
characteristic of the Ackley improved line of cartridges. It origi¬
nated in the late 1940s and is similar to the 219 Zipper Improved,
but has greater case capacity and develops higher velocities. The
22/30-30 Improved has been used in single shot, bolt-action and
lever-action rifles. It works quite well in the older Model 99 Sav¬
age lever action rifles with the rotary magazine. It was fairly pop¬
ular in the late 1940s and through the 1950s. There are several
versions of the 22/30-30; some of the more recent ones use a short¬
ened case, the length depending on who originated it.
General Comments The 22/30-30 Improved is in the same
class as the 22-250 and is an excellent long-range varmint car¬
tridge. It also has a reputation for match-level accuracy. It is a
good choice for single shot rifles or bolt actions made to handle
rimmed cartridges. One reason for the development of the
22/30-30 was that post-WWI 219 Zipper brass, used in forming
the similar 219 Zipper Improved would split in the shoulder
area when fire-formed. The 30-30 case didn’t do this, but
required a set of forming dies when used for the 219 Improved.
The 22/30-30 cases could be made by fire-forming, thus elimi¬
nating this problem. Many shooters, therefore, feel it is also a
better cartridge.
22/30-30 Improved Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
45 SP
IMR 4064
36
3925
1535
P.O. Ackley
50 SP
IMR 4064
36
3905
1690
P.O. Ackley
50 SP
IMR 4064
37
3980
1760
P.O. Ackley
55 SP
IMR 4064
35
3755
1710
P.O. Ackley
22-303
Historical Notes The 303 British was the standard military
cartridge in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as Eng¬
land. It was only natural for someone to neck this particular
round to a smaller caliber for use on varmints and small game.
The origin of the 22-303 dates back to pre-WWII times circa 1937-
1939. Original 303 British military brass had very thick case
walls. Later commercial brass has somewhat thinner case walls,
thus providing slightly more case capacity. This round has a case
capacity just slightly less than the 22-250. The Winchester High
Wall and Farquaharson single shot actions were preferred by
Canadian shooters in the 1930s and 1940s for chambering to the
22-303. Today’s Ruger No. 1 would be an excellent choice for this
cartridge. There are some minor dimensional differences between
Australian and Canadian versions, but performance of these two
numbers is virtually identical. This cartridge would be too noisy
and powerful for use in populated areas, but in the western
provinces of Canada or the Australian outback it would be an ide¬
al choice.
General Comments This cartridge has found few advocates
in the United States. However, for anyone who has a large supply
of 303 brass, this would make an ideal varmint cartridge. Veloci¬
ties can exceed 3800 fps with 50-grain bullets, or 3500 fps with
55-grain bullets. With a rifling twist of 1 in 10 or greater, heavier
bullets of 63 to 70 grains would be ideal fare. This is a wildcat of
true purpose in parts of the globe where the old 303 still main¬
tains popularity. Load data for this cartridge is not available at
this time.
8th Edition 161
Chapter 4
220 Wotkyns-Wilson Arrow
Historical Notes The 220 Wotkyns-Wilson Arrow was the
work of Grosvenor Wotkyns and L.E. Wilson and is the 220
Swift with the shoulder angle increased from 21 degrees to 30
degrees. It dates back to the 1940s. Cases are made by reform¬
ing unfired 220 Swift brass in full-length sizing dies. Because of
the steeper shoulder angle, standard Swift ammunition will not
fully enter into the Arrow chamber and cases cannot be made by
fire-forming.
General Comments The 220 Wotkyns-Wilson Arrow repre¬
sents an effort to remedy a problem by making a minor change in
cartridge configuration. Factory Swift cases had the reputation of
lengthening after only a few firings, requiring frequent trimming.
Changing to a steeper shoulder angle reduced the brass flow into
the neck and made for longer case life. The Arrow was a popular
benchrest cartridge and also a true long-range varmint number.
It delivers ballistics comparable to the 220 Swift.
220 Wotkyns-Wilson Arrow Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
45 SP
H-450
47
3985
1580
50 SP
H-450
46
3850
1640
50 SP
IMR 4064
40
3915
1695
55 SP
H-380
39
3510
1500
220 Weatherby Rocket
Historical Notes The 220 Rocket is the only Weatherby devel¬
opment for which loaded ammunition or empty cases are not
available. For this reason, it must be placed in the wildcat catego¬
ry. Developed in 1943 by the late Roy Weatherby, it was the first
in the long line of his excellent and successful cartridges. However,
it has never been very popular, and Weatherby rifles in this cal¬
iber are now available only on special order. It is important pri¬
marily as the beginning of the Weatherby ammunition line and as
the initial stimulant to a career of rifle and cartridge manufacture
that has had a considerable impact on American thinking.
General Comments The 220 Rocket is actually one of a num¬
ber of improved wildcat cartridges based on the 220 Swift case.
The Ackley and Kilboum versions are similar to the Weatherby,
and none have any particular advantage over the other. Also,
none of them are sufficiently superior to the original 220 Swift to
offer anything of outstanding value insofar as performance is con¬
cerned. As is typical of improved cartridges where the original
design features significant body taper, the improved Swift
extracts somewhat easier and, with proper headspacing, gives
longer case life.
220 Weatherby Rocket Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
50 SP
IMR 3031 40.0
4005
1775
Ackley
55 SP
IMR 3031 39.0
3767
1730
Ackley
55 SP
IMR 4064 42.0
3860
1820
Ackley
Warning: Start all loads 10 percent below these figures and work up gradually.
162 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
22 CHeetah
Historical Notes The 22 CHeetah was developed by Jim
Carmichel, shooting editor of Outdoor Life magazine and Fred
Huntington of RCBS fame. It appears to have originated in the
late 1970s. The cartridge is essentially a full-length Remington
308 BR case—with the small primer pocket—necked-down to 22-
caliber, but with the shoulder moved forward. What you end up
with is a variation of the 308 Winchester necked-down to 22, but
using a special match case. This is not exactly new because there
are in existence several slightly different versions made by neck¬
ing the 243 Winchester case down, and these date back to the ear¬
ly 1960s. However, the 22 CHeetah is an original with regard to
the 308 BR case and its small rifle primer pocket.
General Comments The major difference between the 22
CHeetah and its predecessors are in the use of the lighter,
more uniform BR case, blown-out 40-degree shoulder angle
and short neck. In other words, the case has been designed to
benchrest specifications. It also has greater powder capacity
than any of the older versions. There are actually two case
types, the MKI with the 40-degree shoulder angle and the
MKII with the original 28-degree shoulder. The 22 CHeetah is
somewhat more powerful than the 220 Swift, but ballistics
were measured from a 27-inch barrel. The cartridge has
proven to be superbly accurate and a very effective 300-yard
varmint cartridge.
22 Cheetah Loading Data (MKI)
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
50 SP
IMR 4064 46
4285
2040
52 HP
IMR 4064 44
4135
1970
55 SP
IMR 4350 49
4090
1990
22-243 Middlestead
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed by Paul Mid¬
dlestead of San Diego, California, and is based on the standard
243 Winchester case necked-down to handle a .224-inch bullet.
The body dimensions remain unchanged, but the shoulder angle
is increased to 30 degrees, thus resulting in a longer neck (.300-
inch vs. .241-inch). Forming cases for the 22-243 is a relatively
simple operation: 243 Winchester cases are simply run though a
22-243 sizing die and trimmed to length, if needed. This is a
major consideration in choosing wildcat cartridges. Case capacity
of the 22-243 is about 5 percent more than the 220 Swift, result¬
ing in velocities easily exceeding 4000 fps. While staying on the
upper end of the velocity spectrum, this cartridge gives up noth¬
ing in the accuracy department. Five-shot 100-yard groups of V 2 -
MOA are commonly reported. When planning a rifle for this
round, it is a simple matter to rechamber a 22-250. However,
rifling twist rates should be taken into account. If one is going to
stick to lighter bullets, then the standard 22-250 barrel will not
pose a problem. This cartridge excels with heavier bullets in the
68- to 75-grain range, and with them a rifling twist of 1 in 9 or 1
in 8 inches should be considered. The case uses large rifle
primers.
General Comments If any wildcat cartridge deserves to
become a commercial round, the 22-243 would certainly fall in
that class. It can provide high velocity along with excellent accu¬
racy, providing a slightly longer “reach” over the 22-250 and 220
Swift. Both form dies and reloading dies can be obtained from
RCBS. The 22-243 is a spectacular performer on varmints and
small game.
22-243 Middlestead Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
50 SP
N204
51.0
4250
2006
Jim Gosnell
52 HP
N204
48.0
4020
1860
Jim Gosnell
65 SP
IMR 4350
45.0
3710
1830
Jim Gosnell
70 SP
IMR 4831
45.0
3420
1815
Jim Gosnell
8th Edition 163
Chapter 4
224 Clark
Historical Notes Timothy Clark of Madera, California, wanted
a long-range varmint cartridge that would buck wind better than
any existing cartridge, have a flatter trajectory, and be harder
hitting with greater retained bullet energy. He experimented for
15 years following WWII, and in 1962 finally settled on the design
he named the 224 Clark. Clark used the 257 Roberts case necked-
down to 22-caliber with a steeper shoulder angle and expanded
body. He designed and made special .224-inch bullets which were
both longer and heavier than any available bullets of this caliber
at that time. While it may seem easier to start with 6mm Rem¬
ington brass, rather than going to the trouble of re-forming 257
Roberts cases, Clark found the 257s to be much stronger. Clark
hand-swaged his own .224-inch hollowpoint bullets weighing 80
grains. This had to be a labor of love. Bullets of lighter weight
tend to be less accurate in the 224 Clark due to the fact that a
long throat is necessary for the heavier numbers, causing the
lighter projectiles to “jump” before contacting the rifling lands.
Clark also designed bullets of 85 grains knowing that some
hunters may have chosen to use his cartridge on deer and ante¬
lope size game.
General Comments There is no doubt that the 224 Clark is a
very specialized cartridge. In areas where wind is a concern and
ranges are long, this cartridge would be ideal for varmints. How¬
ever, the small bore and relatively large case capacity are a com¬
bination which can lead to very short barrel life. Though an
excellent round, the 224 Clark has a very narrow and specialized
use. This cartridge requires faster than normal rifling twist, 8 to
9 inches, to stabilize the unusually long standard bullets.
224 Clark Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
53 HP
IMR 4064
47.0
4210
2085
Layne Simpson
60 HP
MRP
55.0
4050
2185
Layne Simpson
63 SP
H-4831
54.5
4000
2240
Layne Simpson
70 SP
H-4831
54.0
3860
2320
Layne Simpson
80 SP
H-4831
51.5
3540
2230
Layne Simpson
85 SP
H-4831
51.0
3510
2325
Layne Simpson
22 Newton
Historical Notes One of a series of cartridges developed by
Charles Newton, this one did not appear in full commercial version.
It was designed about 1912, following the introduction of the 22 Sav¬
age Hi-Power for the Model 99 lever-action rifle. Newton concluded
during his development work on the 22 Savage that it was not
entirely adequate for deer. He believed the 70-grain bullet at 2800
fps could be improved by using a larger case. Newton may have
used the 7x57mm Mauser case for some of his early experiments.
However, the final version of the 22 Newton appears to have been
based on the 30-06 case shortened about 74-inch and necked-down
to take .228-inch-diameter bullets. The 22 Newton did not appear as
a Newton rifle caliber until about 1914 or later, and did not have a
very long life. The original loading had a 90-grain bullet driven at
3100 fps. The 22 Newton was soon displaced by the 256 Newton,
which had superior potential as a big game cartridge.
General Comments This is another cartridge somewhat
ahead of its time. The new 5.6x57 developed by RWS is very
similar in performance and case capacity. It has a 74-grain
bullet at 3400 fps (.224-inch diameter), and is a necked-down
7x57 case. With a 90-grain bullet, the 5.6mm would probably
just about duplicate the 22 Newton’s performance. Because of
the relatively heavy 22-caliber bullet, the 22 Newton would be
a satisfactory deer, antelope or similar game cartridge, pro¬
vided proper bullet construction was used. The 220/257 Gip¬
son is a very similar cartridge based on the 257 Roberts case
necked-down to 22-caliber. This latter cartridge was designed
by Vernon Gipson, a gunsmith and wildcatter from Worth, Illi¬
nois. (The 22 Gebby was a similar round on the 257 case.)
Rifles for the 22 Newton require a very fast twist (1 in 8 inch¬
es) to stabilize this long, small-caliber bullet.
22 Newton Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
70 SP IMR 4350 40 3250 1640
90 SP IMR 4350 38 3100 1920
164 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
228 Ackley Magnum
Historical Notes The 228 Ackley Magnum dates back to about
1938 and, although it has been around for a number of years, it
developed only a limited popularity. Like the 22 Newton, it was
designed as a combination varmint and big game cartridge.
Ammunition is made by necking-down and shortening 30-06 or
308 Winchester brass. There are several versions of this car¬
tridge, but the Ackley design is the most popular.
General Comments Rifles in 228-caliber using heavy-jacketed
bullets designed for big game have been used very successfully all
over the world. Bullets of this type were made in weights from 70
to over 100 grains by Fred Barnes, but are now difficult to obtain.
Rifles in this class have proven rather conclusively that the diffi¬
culty encountered with the 220 Swift and other high-velocity 22s
has been mostly a matter of improper bullet design. Factory 22-
caliber centerfire loads are all made for varmint shooting and
don’t hold together or penetrate deeply enough on big game.
Sometimes they do, and the result is spectacular, but mostly they
blow up on contact and inflict a horrible, but not immediately
fatal, wound. As a result, hunting deer with any 22-caliber center-
fire rifle is illegal in most states. I have witnessed some instant
one-shot kills on deer and antelope with high-velocity 22 rifles
using proper bullets for the job. Bear this matter of bullet con¬
struction in mind next time you get in an argument over the effec¬
tiveness of small-caliber rifles on big game.
228 Ackley Magnum Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
70 SP IMR 4350 46 3650 2070 P.O. Ackley
90 SP_IMR 4350 43_3480 2420 P.O. Ackley
6x45mm
(6mm-223 Remington)
Historical Notes The 6mm-223 Remington, also known as the
6x45mm, came into being in late 1965, shortly after Remington
introduced the 223 Remington as a sporting round. Various
experimenters built rifles for the cartridge (in order to take
advantage of the reduced wind drift offered by the 6mm caliber,
as opposed to the original 22-caliber bullet) for benchrest or
varmint shooting. Jim Stekl, then manager of Remington’s cus¬
tom shop, set an IBS 200-yard Sporter aggregate record of .3069
MOA in 1973 using the 6x45mm. For a time, some owners of AR-
15 rifles rebarreled their rifles to this caliber for use in NRA
National Match Course competition. However, the 6x45mm can
not compete successfidly with the 7.62x51mm NATO (308 Win¬
chester) round at ranges beyond 300 yards. After its brief flurry
as a benchrest and match cartridge, the 6x45mm has now been
relegated as primarily a varmint cartridge, used by those who
want more power than the 223 with the added advantage of being
able to use cheap military brass for forming cases. Reloading dies
are available from RCBS and chambering reamers from Clymer.
General Comments The 6x45mm is one of a series of 6mm
benchrest cartridges based on necking-up the 223 Remington and
222 Remington Magnum brass. None have any great advantage
over the other, and all are capable of extremely fine accuracy.
Probably the only advantage of the 6x45mm is that it is based on
the 5.56mm (223 Remington) military case, which assures a good
supply of brass. On the other hand, its shorter case permits the
use of bullets of up to 100 grains in weight to be seated to an over¬
all length that will feed through magazine rifles such as the Colt
AR-15, Ruger Mini-14 or Remington 788. In power, the 6x45mm
is between the old 25-35 and the 250 Savage, which would make
it rather marginal as a deer cartridge except under ideal condi¬
tions. It is, however, as close to ideal as a varmint and small game
cartridge out to 300 yards. This cartridge has become very popu¬
lar in the Thompson/Center Contender and Remington XP-100
handguns. Bob Milek, the late Field Editor of Guns & Ammo and
Peterson’s Hunting magazines shot a custom XP-100 in 6x45mm
for a number of years. Rifles chambered for cartridges in this
group are pleasant to shoot, have a relatively low report and are
noted for long barrel life.
6x45mm (6mm-223 Remington) Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
70 HP
W748 27.5
2890
1295
75 HP
H-335 27.0
2900
1400
80 HP
W748 27.0
2780
1370
8th Edition 165
Chapter 4
6mm TCU
Historical Notes The 6mm TCU was developed by Wes
Ugalde of Fallon, Nevada for Thompson/Center as one of the
chamberings for the Contender single shot pistol. It is the
223 Remington necked-up to 243-caliber and is practically
identical to the older (1965) 6mm 223 Remington or
6x45mm. The 6mm TCU is intended primarily as a metallic
silhouette pistol cartridge, whereas the 6mm-223 Reming¬
ton was developed as a rifle cartridge for benchrest and
varmint shooting.
General Comments Necking the 223 Remington up to 6mm
provides an advantage over the 22-caliber by reducing wind drift
and, with the heavier bullets, providing more energy down range.
Also, 6mm cartridges in this class have a relatively mild report
and less recoil than, say, the 243 Winchester or 6mm Remington.
T/C cautions against the use of military brass and recommends
commercial 223 Remington brass for forming 6mm TCU cases.
The 6mm TCU is adequate for small- to medium-sized varmints,
but is on the light side for deer.
6mm TCU Reloading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
60 HP
W748 29
2610
905
14" barrel
70 HP
H-4895 26
2585
1045
14" barrel
80 HP
H-4895 25
2515
1065
14" barrel
6x47 mm
(6mm-222 Rem. Magnum)
General Comments Mike Walker is responsible, at least in
part, for this 6mm-caliber cartridge. A note from him dated July
25, 1963, said that Bob Hutton asked him for a rifle using this
case after Mike had told him, “It would probably be more accu¬
rate than anything available at that time (1961) in the 6mm.”
Used primarily for benchrest competition, cases can be made by
simply necking up 222 Remington Magnum brass to 6mm.
According to Walker, best accuracy is obtained with 70-75-grain
bullets. The 6x47mm has lost popularity recently to the 6mm
PPC and the 6x45mm (the 223 Remington necked up to 6mm).
Federal made cases in this caliber in the late 1970s, but has since
discontinued them.
General Comments Although used primarily for competition,
the 6x47mm is a good mid-range varmint and small game num¬
ber. It is not a good choice for deer as 100-grain bullets can not be
driven at sufficient velocity to assure clean kills.
6x47mm Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
70-75 HP IMR 4198 23.5 3000 1499
75 3031 26.5 2650 1165 Ackley
166 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
6mm-250
(6mm International)
Walker Version
Historical Notes Prior to WWII, the 6mm (243-caliber) was
nearly exclusively a British and European development, with
some cartridges dating back to the early 1900s. Immediately
after WWII, American wildcatters began to work with this cal¬
iber. The simple process of necking the 250 Savage case down to
take 243 bullets probably occurred to several individuals, but
was obscured by other 6mm developments. Several versions
exist, but two of these have become popular with benchrest and
match shooters. The Donaldson 6mm International was devel¬
oped by Harvey Donaldson of Fultonville, New York, known as
the father of modern benchrest shooting. The Remington 6mm
International originated with Mike Walker of the Remington
Arms Company.
General Comments Cartridges of 6mm based on the 250 Sav¬
age case are all similar, but vary slightly in length and shoulder
angle. Original design was the 250 case necked-down with no oth¬
er change. The Donaldson version uses a case .25-inch shorter
than the standard 250 and with the shoulder pushed back, giving
a shorter body. Shoulder angle is 30 degrees. The Walker 6mm
retains the standard length, but pushes the shoulder back, creat¬
ing a long neck. Body taper and shoulder angle are the same as
the 250. The Remington 40X match rifle has been chambered, on
special order, for the Walker cartridge. Robert Hutton, long-time
experimenter and gun writer, has worked with these cartridges
and his results were presented in the 1962 (16th edition) of Gun
Digest. The late John T. Amber reported 5 /s-inch averages for five-
shot, 100-yard groups with the Walker cartridge in the Reming¬
ton 40X target rifle.
6mm-250 (6mm International) Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
60 HP
IMR 3031
32
3450
1630
75 HP
IMR 3031
32
3390
1910
90 SP
IMR 3031
30
3160
2000
100 SP
IMR 3031
28
2900
1870
6mm/30-30 Improved
Historical Notes There are actually two versions of the
6mm/30-30, one based on the 30-30 Winchester case necked-down
without any other change, and the other using the Improved con¬
figuration. The Improved version was the most popular and the
one recommended. The 6mm/30-30 has the same dimensions as
the 22/30-30 except for a larger .243-inch neck diameter. The car¬
tridge dates back to the 1940s or earlier, and the version referred
to here is the Ackley Improved, although there may be others.
One of the original purposes of the 6mm/30-30 was for use in
rebored and rechambered 22 Hi-Power Model 99 Savage lever
actions. It has also been used in single shot actions. Cases can be
formed from 30-30 or 32 Special brass and might require a set of
forming dies plus a final fire-forming. There are more recent ver¬
sions that use a shortened case for use in single shot pistols.
General Comments The 6mm/30-30, when used in a strong
action, can be loaded to almost equal the 243 Winchester. How¬
ever, when chambered in Model 94 Winchester-class rifles, it
must be loaded down so it does not exceed the working pressure
of that action. It is a good varmint through deer cartridge, but its
usefulness at the present time is primarily as a chambering for
single shot actions. Pointed bullets should not be used in any
tubular magazine.
6mm/30-30 Improved Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
75 HP
IMR 3031
37
3450
1980
P.O. Ackley
75 HP
IMR 4895
36
3265
1770
P.O. Ackley
*85 HP
IMR 4895
37
3300
2060
P.O. Ackley
90 SP
IMR 4320
38
3065
1880
P.O. Ackley
* Ackley, op cit
8th Edition 167
Chapter 4
Historical Notes It is anybody’s guess who might have been
first to size Winchester’s rebated rim 284 down to 6mm. The con¬
version is a good one for those interested in achieving maximum
velocity with this bullet size. This cartridge can be chambered in
medium-length actions.
General Comments The 6mm-284 has practically the same
capacity as the 240 Weatherby magnum and the 6mm-06. If
loaded to similar chamber pressures it will produce similar veloc¬
ity. Therefore, ballistics are indistinguishable. However, it has
advantages over the Weatherby offering. Cases are easier to come
by and non-belted. The 6mm-284 can also be chambered in medi¬
um-length actions. Just like the 6mm-06 and 240 Weatherby,
when loaded with 100 grain bullets, the 6mm-284 offers only
about 100 fps more velocity than the 6mm Remington—if loaded
to the same peak pressures and fired from equal-length barrels.
Likely, with heavier than standard bullets this difference could
reach 200 fps. As to whether such an advantage might justify
conversion of a 243 Winchester of 6mm Remington chambered
rifle to 6mm-284, consider that this is just about the same perfor¬
mance difference as is found between the 280 Remington and
7mm Remington Magnum!
6mm-284 Loading Data (26" barrel)
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
70
IMR 4320
45.0
3600
2015
Hornady
70
IMR 4350
49.5
3600
2015
Hornady
70
H4831
52.5
3600
2015
Hornady
75
H4831
54.1
3600
2155
Hornady
87
H4831
51.7
3400
2230
Hornady
100
IMR 4350
49.0
3200
2275
Hornady
100
H4831
51.4
3200
2275
Hornady
25 Ugalde (7mm TCU)
Historical Notes The 25 Ugalde, also known as the 25 Thomp¬
son/Center Ugalde, was developed by Wes Ugalde of Fallon,
Nevada, in 1987. Dean Grennell, then managing editor extraor¬
dinaire of Gun World magazine, also had a hand in the original
iteration. The cartridge, like the other TCU cartridges, is based
on the necked-up and Improved 223 Remington case. Results of
the original testing by Dean Grennell were carried in the August,
1988 issue of Gun World. He used a Thompson/Center single shot
pistol with a 14-inch heavy barrel made up by Wes Ugalde.
General Comments The 25 TCU is intended for metallic sil¬
houette shooting, but would also make a good varmint cartridge
at moderate ranges. There is a good selection of 25-caliber bullets
available in weights from 60 to 120 grains. By the standards of
today, ballistics are not spectacular, but quite adequate for the
intended purpose. Dean Grennell reported less than minute-of-
angle groups. It is in about the same class as the old 25-35 and
would be marginal for deer. RCBS can furnish loading dies, and
no special case-forming dies are required.
25 Ugalde (7mm TCU) Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
75 HP
H-335
26.2
2455
1010
75 HP
H-335
27.2
2680
1195
75 HP
BL-C2
27.9
2280
860
75 HP
W748
28.3
2490
1030
75 HP
RL-12
28.0
2530
1070
90 SP
AA2520
24.0
2455
1205
100 SP
H-335
26.2
2365
1245
168 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
25 Krag
Historical Notes The 25 Krag is certainly one of the oldest
wildcat cartridges in existence. It is illustrated on page 176 of Dr.
Mann’s book, The Bullet's Flight From Powder to Target , pub¬
lished in 1909. Mann makes reference to firing tests involving
this cartridge on page 166, Test No. 114, and dates these tests as
having taken place during 1906.
The original cartridge was based on necking-down the 30-40
Krag case to accept 257-caliber bullets without any other change
except reaming the neck. However, actual chamber dimensions
were never standardized and varied widely between gunsmiths.
A.O. Niedner, a well-known gunsmith of the 1920s and 1930s,
chambered many single shot rifles for the 25 Krag, and it was also
called the 25 Krag Niedner. There are, in addition, several
Improved versions of the 25 Krag with the usual blown-out case
and 40-degree shoulder. Some of these were made up on a short¬
ened Krag case and some employ the full-length case. Probably
the most popular of the Improved 25 Krag cartridges were the
Ackley versions. The various 25 Krag cartridges were used almost
exclusively in single shot rifles or those built up on the P14 Enfield
bolt action. Top loads of this cartridge develop pressures very
much in excess of the 42,000 psi working pressure of the U.S. mil¬
itary Krag action and should never be used in this rifle.
General Comments The 25 Krag has nearly the same case
capacity as the 250 Savage or the 257 Roberts, depending on
whether we are dealing with the short or long version. In a strong
action, either version is capable of generating 3200 fps or more
with the 100-grain bullet, which puts the 25 Krag in the same
class as the 25-06. It is a flat-shooting varmint-through-deer class
cartridge and has been used successfully on larger game.
Although fairly popular in the 1920s and 1930s, it began to
decline after the 257 Roberts was adopted as a commercial car¬
tridge in 1934. Although a good cartridge, there is very little need
for the 25 Krag in the present scheme of things. The recommend¬
ed twist is either 1 in 10 inches or 1 in 12 inches, with the faster
twist preferred for the heavier bullets.
It isn’t practical to list loading data for the 25 Krag because
there are too many different versions and case capacity can vary
by as much as 5 to 10 grains, or more.
25 Krag Loading Data
It isn’t practical to list loading data for the 25 Krag because there are too many different versions, and
case capacity varies by as much as 10 grains.
25 Ackley Krag
Historical Notes Mr. Ackley offered at least two versions of this
cartridge. The 25 Ackley Krag Short holds about 50 grains of IMR
type powder, compared to the full-length 25 Ackley Krag, which
holds about 55 grains. The shorter version seems to have been
Mr. Ackley’s favorite and he preferred it for chambering in P14
Enfields and various single-shot actions. In the heyday of Mr.
Ackley’s developments the slowest powders available limited per¬
formance gains with case capacity increases much beyond this
level in the quarter-bore. This fact explains the similar perfor¬
mance he reported for the two versions.
General Comments The Short version of the 25 Ackley Krag
offers very impressive performance when properly loaded in a
strong modem action but it is now overshadowed by the full-
length version of the 25 Ackley Krag and other larger-capacity
cases, such as the 25-06. Nevertheless, either of these cartridges
are fully capable as big game cartridges for smaller North Amer¬
ican species. These can be highly recommended for single shot
rifle conversions.
25 Ackley Krag Short Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
87
H380
49.0
3460
2310
Ackley
100
IMR 4064
43.0
3265
2365
Ackley
100
H380
49.0
3412
2585
Ackley
100
IMR 4350
50.0
3300
2415
Ackley
117
H4831
50.0
3285
2855
Ackley
25 Ackley Krag (Full-Length 30-40 conversion) Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
87
4064
48.0
3360
2180
Ackley
100
IMR 4350
50.0
3090
2120
Ackley
100
IMR 4895
49.0
3414
2585
Ackley
125
IMR 4350
50.0
3000
2495
Ackley
8th Edition 169
Chapter 4
25/303
Historical Notes The various wildcats based on the 303 British
case have never achieved any degree of popularity in the U.S.
This is not because there is anything wrong with them, but we
have had available for many years our own 30-40 Krag (which is
very similar to the 303 British) and also the 30-06 with its greater
powder capacity and rimless case. However, in many areas of the
British Commonwealth, mainly Australia, Canada and New
Zealand, the 303 British case forms the basis of a whole series of
wildcats including 22, 6mm, 25, 270 and 7mm versions. In fact,
some of these cartridges are loaded commercially in Australia.
Some of the 303-based wildcats were originated by Ellwood Epps
of Ontario, Canada, some by W. Harrison, J. Black and others in
Australia. Most of them originated in the post-WWII years
between about 1946 and 1960. There is more than one version of
almost all of these 303-derived wildcats. The 25/303 is based on
the 303 British case necked-down to 25-caliber without any other
change. It is presented here as a means of acquainting the read¬
er with the group and because it is the only one the author has
had any actual experience with.
General Comments Most rifles chambered for the 25/303 are
based on either the British SMLE (Enfield) military rifle action,
the P14 Enfield or the Martini single shot action. This is also true
of the other wildcats based on the rimmed 303 British case. The
performance of the 25/303 is similar to the 257 Roberts, and it is
suitable for the same range of game and shooting conditions. It is
a very good cartridge, as are the others based on this case. How¬
ever, it does not fulfill any particular need in the U.S. and so will
probably never attain much of a following here. Editor's Note: It
must be noted that rimmed cartridges are a better choice than any
rimless case for single shot custom rifle chamberings.
25/303 Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
87 SP
IMR 4064
35.5
87 SP
IMR 3031
35.0
100 SP
IMR 3031
34.0
100 SP
IMR 4895
33.0
117 SP
IMR 4064
35.0
MV
ME
Source
3010
1750
Ackley
3000
1740
Ackley
2800
1740
Ackley
2750
1675
Ackley
2800
1740
Ackley
250/3000 Ackley Improved
Historical Notes The 250/3000 Improved was originated by P.
O. Ackley in the late 1940s and, although one of the best of the
Ackley “Improved” line of cartridges, has never achieved great
popularity. This statement is based on the fact that it offers the
greatest percentage velocity increase of any of the Improved line
of wildcats. Increased shoulder angle affects performance chiefly
because it increases case capacity. However, it also improves
headspacing and decreases case stretching. There are no signifi¬
cant internal ballistic effects related to any particular shoulder
design. There are several versions of the 250 Improved, but the
Ackley configuration is the best known. The Savage Model 99
lever action has recently been offered in 250/3000-caliber, and
there are tens of thousands of these fine rifles in the hands of
hunters. Handloading owners of these rifles should be interested
in this excellent improved chambering which improves extrac¬
tion, extends case life and increases performance markedly.
General Comments The 250/3000 Improved offers perfor¬
mance equal to or better than the 257 Roberts. It will, for exam¬
ple, push the 100-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 3200 fps, as
compared to the factory 257 loading of the same bullet that is list¬
ed at 2900 fps. The commercial 250/3000 loading of the 100-grain
bullet, incidentally, is rated at 2820 fps.
250/3000 Ackley Improved Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
87 SP
IMR 4350
42
3310
2110
P.O. Ackley
100 SP
IMR 4350
41
3045
2060
P.O. Ackley
100 SP
IMR 4350
42
3200
2275
P.O. Ackley
120 SP
IMR 4350
40
2650
1870
P.O. Ackley
120 SP
IMR 4350
41
2750
2020
P.O. Ackley
170 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
257 Improved (Ackley)
Historical Notes There are a number of “Improved” versions of
the 257 Roberts, developed mostly in the late 1940s and early
1950s. The 257 Ackley Improved is one of the best, and certainly
the most popular of the crop. This cartridge has rather straight,
blown-out case walls with very little taper and a 40-degree shoul¬
der angle. As with the other Ackley Improved cartridges, cases
are made by firing factory ammunition in the Improved chamber.
The 257 Improved has about the ideal case capacity for the 25-
caliber and is quite efficient in the velocity it produces with a giv¬
en charge of powder. The gains achieved by Improved cartridges
is a matter of increasing the case capacity by changing the shoul¬
der angle and sometimes moving the shoulder forward to length¬
en the body, and at the same time reducing the body taper.
Shoulder angle affects performance chiefly because it increases
case capacity. It also improves headspacing and decreases case
stretching. However, there are no significant internal ballistic
effects related to any particular shoulder design. The 257
Improved will develop from 100 to 300 fps more velocity than the
standard 257 Roberts, depending on bullet weight. In fact, veloc¬
ities are only slightly below those developed by the larger 25-06
with the same weight bullets.
General Comments The 257 Improved has proven to be an
excellent cartridge for long-range varmint shooting and also for
big game such as deer, antelope, black bear, big horn sheep, etc. It
is one of the best of the Improved line of cartridges in terms of
useful velocity and energy gain.
257 Improved (Ackley) Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
75 HP
IMR 4895
44
3570
2365
P.O. Ackley
87 SP
IMR 4895
43
3352
2160
P.O. Ackley
100 SP
IMR 4831
51
3200
2280
P.O. Ackley
100 SP
IMR 4350
49
3160
2220
P.O. Ackley
117 SP
IMR 4831
47
2850
2112
P.O. Ackley
120 SP
IMR 4831
46
2875
2210
P.O. Ackley
25-284
Historical Notes It is anybody’s guess who might have been the
first to size the 284 Winchester down to the quarter-bore. This
conversion is a good one, offering usable capacity practically iden¬
tical to the 25-06 in a cartridge that can be chambered in medi¬
um-length actions.
General Comments The 25-284 is ballistically indistinguish¬
able from the 25-06 but offers several advantages. First, the
sharper case shoulder of the shorter case reduces case stretching
and extends case life, compared to the 25-06. Second, the shorter
powder column promises superior accuracy potential. Finally,
this more compact cartridge is easier to handle. Nevertheless, the
25-06 was easier to make because 30-06 cases have long been
almost ubiquitous. Further, the 25-06 enjoyed decades of wildcat
history. For these reasons it is not surprising this was the choice
to achieve factory chambering. This is too bad because the 25-06
offers no ballistic advantages over the 25-284 and the aforemen¬
tioned facts would tend to suggest the 25-284 as a better all-
around choice.
25-284 Load Data
(Capacity and chamber pressure are identical to the 25-06 and that data can be
used, providing a prudent reduction in starting loads and adherence to standard
loading practices to insure against inadvertent use of too-hot loads.)
8th Edition 171
Chapter 4
6.5mm TCU
Historical Notes Designed by West Ugalde for use in the
Thompson/Center Contender. This cartridge was initially devel¬
oped for use in Metallic Silhouette Competition but has found
considerable success as a varmint handgun chambering.
General Comments The 6.5mm TCU is easily converted from
commercial 223 cases by simply running a tapered expander
through the case neck. Fireforming is accomplished with a slight¬
ly reduced load. The finished case is exactly reminiscent of the
Ackley line of improved cartridges and features just about the
same body taper and exactly the same shoulder angle. Due to the
larger neck diameter, compared to the parent case, case neck
length is increased and provides adequate purchase to properly
secure the larger, longer bullets. Silhouette shooters have found
that this cartridge is marginal for toppling the distant ram target;
some hits do not result in a felled target. For this reason popular¬
ity has been limited in that sport. The 6.5 TCU does, however,
provide excellent varmint results with comparatively mild recoil.
Many good bullets are available for that purpose.
6.5mm TCU Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
85 Sierra
A2015BR
28.0
2577
1250
Accurate (14" barrel)
100 Sierra
A2230
28.0
2402
1280
Accurate (14" barrel)
100 Hornady SP
RL-7
24.6
2200
1075
Hornady (10" barrel)
lOOHornady SP
H322
28.0
2200
1075
Hornady (10" barrel)
120 Sierra
A2520
28.0
2198
1285
Accurate (14" barrel)
129 Hornady SP
W748
29.5
2050
1245
Hornady (10" barrel)
140 Hornady HPBT
A2520
26.5
2075
1335
Accurate (14" barrel)
140 Hornady SP/HPBT
IMR 3031
25.1
1950
1180
Hornady (10" barrel)
140 Hornady SP/HPBT
W748
28.0
1950
1180
Hornady (10" barrel)
160 Hornady RN
A2520
26.5
1952
1350
Accurate (14" barrel)
100 Hornady
W296
11.0
1600
565
Hornady
6.5mm/06
256/06
Historical Notes The venerable 30-06 brass case has been
necked both up and down to cover just about every caliber in
existence. The 6.5mm, or 256-caliber, is yet another, and also
one of the oldest. The original was developed by the late Charles
Newton and introduced in 1913. There is very little difference
between the 256 Newton and the 6.5mm/06, the latter being the
wildcat version. There is also an Improved cartridge, favored by
some. The 6.5mm/06 achieved a degree of popularity in the
immediate post-WWII era because of the influx of surplus
6.5x55mm military rifles. The 6.5mm/06 is a very practical car¬
tridge, cases are easy to form and it will work through any stan¬
dard-length bolt action with little or no alteration. Today, most
shooters prefer to go with the factory 264 Winchester Magnum;
however, the 6.5mm/06, being less powerful, is much easier on
barrels.
General Comments The 6.5mm/06 is a very good long-range,
medium game cartridge, provided one loads the proper bullet. It
is quite flexible because of the wide range of bullets available and
it can be adopted to varying conditions by using the lighter, faster
bullets for plains hunting and the heavier ones in brush or wood¬
ed country. It cam also double for varmint hunting by using bul¬
lets weighing 80 to 100 grains.
6.5mm/06 Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
85 SP
H-414
55
3610
2460
100 SP
H-4831
62
3445
2625
120 SP
H-4831
58
3175
2680
140 SP
H-4831
56
3000
2800
165 SP
H-4831
54
2825
2920
172 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
6.5mm-06 Ackley Improved
Historical Notes This cartridge was a natural outgrowth
from the 6.5-06. After WWII many military rifles of 6.5mm cal¬
iber were surplused by various countries. Most found their way
to the shores of the U.S. as a means of bringing much-needed
cash to countries that would have otherwise simply scrapped
them. Since ammunition for these chamberings was difficult or
impossible to obtain, it was natural for gunsmiths to consider
rechambering to the 6.5-06 since abundant, inexpensive 30-06
cases are easily necked down to 6.5 and the conversion offered
the promise of more power than the original chambering in the
bargain. Similarly, bullet manufacturers responded to the avail¬
ability of 6.5mm guns by offering component bullets for hand¬
loading. This later only served to increase demand for wildcat
conversions. It was only reasonable for customers to want to
chamber for the improved version of the 6.5mm-06 because this
added nothing to the cost of the conversion and promised a bal¬
listic benefit and increased case life. The latter was delivered;
the former was not.
General Comments Mr. Ackley’s experiences with this cham¬
bering are most interesting. He first chambered a 6.5mm barrel
to 6.5mm-06 and worked up load data for that. Then he recham¬
bered the same barrel to the improved version and again worked
up data. We can only assume that he used the same pressure cri¬
teria and the same components for both studies, but, perhaps,
this is an erroneous assumption. The reason for doubt stems from
the fact that Mr. Ackley reported higher velocities with the stan¬
dard 6.5-06 than with the improved version. It must be noted that
he was limited to powders no slower burning than H4831. Given
the slower powders now available, he might have found the
improved version to have the ballistic edge. In any case, the dif¬
ference in ballistics is marginal. It should be noted that the 25-06
and the 6.5mm-06 Improved have almost exactly the same rela¬
tive case capacity. Therefore, considering bullet availability,
including light varmint-style bullets and hunting bullets that are
much heavier than anything available in 0.257-inch, the 6.5mm-
06 Improved is everything the 25-06 will ever be and more.
6.5mm-06 Ackley Improved Load Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
120
IMR 4350
53.0
3100
2560
Ackley
140
IMR 4350
51.0
2920
2650
Ackley
140
H4831
53.0
2950
2705
Ackley
150
IMR 4350
49.0
2780
2575
Ackley
150
H4831
51.0
2760
2535
Ackley
165
IMR 4350
46.0
2550
2090
Ackley
165
H4831
48.0
2550
2090
Ackley
270 REN
Historical Notes Designed in 1985 by Charles Rensing and Jim
Rock, this cartridge was developed in response to NRA Hunter
Pistol Silhouette competition rules. This category allows only
straight-walled cartridge cases to be used. This diminutive num¬
ber fulfills that requirement while producing minimal recoil, as
intended by the inventors.
General Comments The 270 REN is based on the 22
Hornet simply necked straight to accept 270 bullets. Recoil is
very mild in typical guns and this little chambering can pro¬
pel the excellent 90-, 100- and 110-grain bullets available to
considerable velocity with modest powder charges. Guns
chambered for the 270 REN are currently available from sev¬
eral manufacturers including RPM, Thompson Center and
Merrill.
270 REN Loading Data (10" barrel)
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
90
No.7
8.2
1650
540
Accurate
90
No.9
11.1
1888
710
Accurate
90
A1680
14.5
1811
655
Accurate
100 Homady
H110
10.2
1600
565
Homady
100 Homady
XMP5744
10.4
1600
565
Hornady
100 Homady
W296
11.0
1600
565
Homady
100 Homady
No.7
8.2
1566
540
Accurate
100 Homady
No.9
10.8
1799
715
Accurate
100 Homady
A1680
14.5
1815
730
Accurate
110 Sierra
No.7
8.0
1474
530
Accurate
110 Sierra
No.9
10.2
1666
675
Accurate
110 Sierra
A1680
14.0
1675
685
Accurate
8th Edition 173
Chapter 4
270IHMSA
Historical Notes Just one of an entire series of cartridges
designed by Elgin Gates, the 270 IHMSA (International
Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association) is among the
more popular of the group, which ranges from 25 through 35
caliber. All are similar and are designed specifically for
chambering in single shot handguns. The intention was to
offer competitors a choice of easy to make chamberings that
could deliver the desired momentum to distant targets. In
this endeavor Mr. Gates appears to have been eminently
successful.
General Comments The 270 IHMSA is based on the 300 Sav¬
age case. Cases are formed by simply necking the case down to
accept 270 bullets. The sizing die also drives the inside of the
shoulder back to achieve a 38-degree shoulder angle, providing
superior headspace control and a longer case neck. The same
treatment is utilized for all cases in the IHMSA line.
270 IHMSA Loading Data (14" barrel)
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
90
H414
45.0
2691
1445
Hodgdon
90
BL-C(2)
40.0
2719
1475
Hodgdon
100
H414
45.0
2654
1560
Hodgdon
100
H4895
38.0
2654
1560
Hodgdon
110
H414
44.0
2626
1680
Hodgdon
110
H4895
37.0
2590
1635
Hodgdon
130
H414
41.0
2442
1720
Hodgdon
130
H450
44.0
2423
1695
Hodgdon
140
H4831
43.0
2449
1860
Hodgdon
140
H4350
41.0
2394
1780
Hodgdon
150
H4350
40.0
2291
1745
Hodgdon
150
H4895
33.0
2274
1720
Hodgdon
270 Savage
Historical Comments The 270 Savage was, in its day, a very
good cartridge for the Model 99 Savage, and it remains so. With
the standard 130-grain bullet it delivers performance reason¬
ably close to factory 270 Winchester loads. Heavier bullets
intrude much of the available powder space and, therefore, don’t
perform as well. The Ackley improved version comes very close
to 270 Winchester ballistics and is a much better Model 99
chambering option in all respects, see discussion at 250-300
Ackley Improved.
General Comments The 270 Savage was, in its day, a very
good cartridge for the Model 99 Savage rifle, and it remains so
today. With the standard 130-grain bullet, it delivers perfor¬
mance reasonably close to factory 270 Winchester loads. Heavier
bullets intrude much of the available powder space and, there¬
fore, don’t perform as well. The Ackley improved version comes
very close to 270 Winchester ballistics and is a much better Mod¬
el 99 chambering option in all respects. (See 250-3000 Ackley
Improved page 170.)
270 Savage Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 SP
IMR 4064
42.0
3107
2140
Ackley
100 SP
IMR 3031
39.0
2950
1930
Ackley
130 SP
IMR 4064
39.0
2763
2200
Ackley
150 SP
IMR 4350
43.0
2574
2205
Ackley
174 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
7mm TCU
Historical Notes The 7mm TCU is another of the series of car¬
tridges developed by Wes Ugalde for Thompson/Center and
offered as a standard chambering in the single shot Contender
pistol. All are based on the 223 Remington case necked-up, this
one to 7mm (.284-inch). The 7mm TCU dates back to 1980, or
thereabouts, and has become quite popular for metallic silhouette
pistol shooting. It is also known as the 7mmx223.
General Comments The 7mm TCU has a reputation for excep¬
tional accuracy and makes a good varmint cartridge in the T/C
Contender pistol, particularly with the 14-inch barrel, which pro¬
vides an extra couple of hundred fps over the 10-inch barrel. It is
on the marginal side for deer or other medium game. The origi¬
nators recommend that only commercial 223 Remington brass be
used for forming cases. Don’t use military brass. Cases are easy to
make and can be formed in one operation once the dies are prop¬
erly adjusted. Proper case length is 1.740 inches.
7mm TCU Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
14" barrel
100 SP
BL-C2
28
2100
980
115 SP
IMR 4198
23
2185
1220
14" barrel
130 SP
IMR 4198
22
2050
1215
14" barrel
140 SP
H-4895
24
1880
1100
14" barrel
150 SP
BL-C2
25
1910
1220
14" barrel
Historical Notes The 7mm International Rimmed was
developed as a silhouette cartridge for use in the Thomp¬
son/Center single shot pistol. It is based on the 30-30 Win¬
chester case necked-down to .284-inch (7mm) caliber, then
fire-formed to create a 38-degree shoulder. It was developed
by Elgin Gates in the late 1970s as one of a series of wildcat
silhouette cartridges ranging from 25- to 35-caliber for
I.H.M.S.A. matches. The 7mm International Rimmed car¬
tridge is similar to the commercial 7-30 Waters except for the
sharper shoulder and less body taper. Both are made by neck¬
ing-down the 30-30 Winchester case. The 7mm International
Rimmed is popular among handgun silhouette shooters and is
a very effective cartridge for this sport.
General Comments The 7mm (284) caliber has emerged as a
popular choice for handgun silhouette shooting, and a fairly large
number of 7mm cartridges have emerged for this purpose. The
7mm International Rimmed is one of the better ones and also
makes a good field cartridge for anything from varmints up to
deer-size animals when loaded with proper bullets at top veloci¬
ties. It will push the 130-grain bullet at over 2000 fps muzzle
velocity out of a 10-inch barrel, and the same bullet at around
2200 fps from a 14-inch barrel. The 7-30 Waters loaded by Feder¬
al can do as well or better, and it is a commercial cartridge requir¬
ing no neck-sizing or other changes. For these reasons it may
replace the 7mm International Rimmed and some of the other
rimmed 7mm cartridges as a favorite handgun silhouette round.
7mm International Rimmed Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
12"bbl.
120 SP
RL-7
27.5
2085
1160
130 SP
H-4895
31
2040
1200
12" bbl.
139 SP
H-4895
30
1830
1040
12" bbl.
145 SP
H-322
28
1925
1200
12" bbl.
8th Edition 175
Chapter 4
Historical Notes Just one of an entire series of cartridges
designed by Elgin Gates, the 7mm IHMSA (International Hand¬
gun Metallic Silhouette Association) is among the more popular
of the group that ranges from 25 through 35 caliber. All are simi¬
lar and are designed specifically for chambering in single shot
handguns. The intention was to offer competitors a choice of easy
to make chamberings that could deliver the desired momentum
to distant targets. In this endeavor Mr. Gates appears to have
been eminently successful.
General Comments The 7mm IHMSA is based on the 300
Savage case. Cases are formed by simply necking the case down
to accept 7mm bullets. The sizing die also drives the inside of
the shoulder back to achieve a 38-degree shoulder angle, pro¬
viding superior headspace control and a longer case neck. The
same treatment is utilized for all cases in the IHMSA line,
which seems to include every feasible bore size from 25- through
35-caliber.
7mm IHMSA Loading Data (14" barrel)
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100
H414
45.0
2515
1400
Hodgdon
100
H4198
33.0
2514
1400
Hodgdon
115-120
H4350
44.0
2431
1505-1570
Hodgdon
115-120
H414
44.0
2414
1485-1550
Hodgdon
130
H4350
43.0
2388
1645
Hodgdon
130
H414
43.0
2334
1570
Hodgdon
139-145
H4350
42.0
2269
1585-1655
Hodgdon
139-145
H414
42.0
2246
1555-1625
Hodgdon
150-154
H4831
43.0
2223
1645-1690
Hodgdon
150-154
H4350
41.0
2210
1625-1670
Hodgdon
160-162
H450
44.0
2198
1715-1735
Hodgdon
160-162
H4350
40.5
2163
1660-1680
Hodgdon
168
H450
43.0
2182
1775
Hodgdon
168
H4350
40.0
2152
1725
Hodgdon
175
H4831
41.0
2094
1700
Hodgdon
175
H450
42.0
2073
1670
Hodgdon
285 OKH
7mm-06 Mashburn
7mm-06
Historical Notes These cartridges are lumped together because
they are practically identical and, except for headspace specifica¬
tion, are also very similar to the 280 Remington. The 285 OKH is
another O’Neil-Keith-Hopkins development which originally
used a duplex loading consisting of different powders with differ¬
ent burning rates loaded one on top of the other. It also employed
a long flash tube that ignited the powder at the front of the case
instead of the rear. This was supposed to improve ballistics and
apparently did to a slight extent, but was a lot of trouble and
rather impractical for the average reloader. All of these cartridges
originated in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
General Comments Because these cartridges hold about 2
grains less powder than the 280 Remington, maximum 280 Rem-
ington loads are not recommended. The various 7mms based on
the 30-06 case are worthy of mention because they were the wild¬
cat forerunners of the commercial 280.
285 OKH Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
100 SP
IMR 3031
45.0
3110
2150
125 SP
IMR 4350
57.0
3195
2840
150 SP
IMR 4895
48.0
2890
2780
165 SP
IMR 4350
52.0
2820
2920
175 SP
IMR 4350
55.0
2720
2880
176 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
7mm Shooting Times Easterner
(7mm STE)
Historical Notes The 7mm Shooting Times Easterner (7mm
STE) was designed in 1987 by gun writer Layne Simpson for
Marlin 336 and Winchester Model 94 lever-action rifles. This car¬
tridge is the 307 Winchester case necked down and fireformed to
the Improved configuration with minimum body taper and a 40-
degree shoulder. The 307 Winchester is actually a rimmed ver¬
sion of the 308 Winchester, thus providing the 7mm STE with
more powder capacity than either the 30-30 Winchester or the 7-
30 Waters. Load data for the 7mm STE was developed with the
Nosier 120-grain and Hornady 139-grain flat-nosed bullet, as
they are compatible with the tubular magazines of the lever guns.
Maximum velocities for these bullets in a 22-inch barrel are 2900
fps and 2700 fps respectively.
General Comments This cartridge has enjoyed fair success on
whitetails, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, black bear, caribou
and wild hogs. Performance of the Nosier bullet on all of these
has been nothing less than outstanding. A favorite open country
“single shot” recipe for loading directly into the chamber (not for
use in a tubular magazine) is the Nosier 140-grain Ballistic Tip
loaded to 2700 fps. Chamber pressures generated by the 7mm
STE are comparable to those developed by the 307 Winchester.
Consequently, only Model 336 and 94 rifles of recent manufac¬
ture and in excellent condition should be considered for this con¬
version. Those rifles in 30-30 Winchester, 307 Winchester, 356
Winchester and 444 Marlin are easily converted to the 7mm STE
by rebarreling with no other modifications necessary.
7mm Shooting Times Easterner (STE) Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
120 SP
H-414
47.0
2915
2265
Layne Simpson
120 SP
H-4895
41.0
2910
2250
Layne Simpson
139 SP
W760
45.0
2710
2265
Layne Simpson
139 SP
PL-22
50.0
2710
2265
Layne Simpson
30 Kurz
Historical Notes The 30 Kurz is made by shortening the 30-06
or 308 Winchester to 1.290 inches. This produces a short car¬
tridge very similar to the German 7.92 Kurz assault rifle car¬
tridge of WWII. The idea originated in the 1960s, and there are
other versions of this cartridge. It is intended for use in modified
Ml carbines and is the same length as the 30 Carbine case.
General Comments The 30 Carbine cartridge is not very flexi¬
ble and isn’t a particularly good choice for hunting. Because of
this, many efforts have been made to improve the performance of
the handy little Ml Carbine through wildcat cartridge designs.
The 30 Kurz is one of these. The problem is that the cartridge has
capabilities beyond the ability of the Ml Carbine. When loaded
within the pressure limits of the Ml Carbine, it doesn’t provide
all that much of an improvement. It is, however, an interesting
development as one of the shortest of the short 30 calibers. It is
usually loaded with a 110-grain bullet.
8th Edition 177
Chapter 4
308x1,5" Barnes
Historical Notes The 308x1.5 inch was developed by the author
in March of 1961. It is based on the 308 Winchester case short¬
ened from the original 2.01 inches to a length of 1.50 inches. The
only other difference is in the shoulder diameter which is .003-
inch larger than the original cartridge. Two rifles were made up
for the developmental work; one on a Swedish Model 96 short
military bolt action (1 in 12-inch twist) by Les Corbett, and the
other on a Remington rolling block single shot action (1 in 10-inch
twist) by P.O. Ackley. Both rifles proved to be extremely accurate
although the 1 in 12-inch twist appears to be the one that has
become more or less standard for tliis cartridge. The 308x1.5 inch
is similar to the Russian 7.62x39mm (M43) military round, but is
larger in base diameter and has a greater powder capacity. Con¬
sequently it can be loaded to produce higher velocity with any giv¬
en bullet weight. At the time the cartridge was introduced,
several gun designers, working on assault rifle designs they
hoped to sell to the government, chambered their weapons to
handle the 308x1.5 inch. However, nothing came of these efforts,
and the cartridge has never been seriously considered as a mili¬
tary round. A number of individual experimenters have worked
with variations of the original 308xl.5-inch case configuration by
lengthening it to 1.6 inches, 1.7 inches, etc., and it has been
necked-down to 22-, 6mm- and 7mm-caliber and necked-up to
375. The case capacity of the 308x1.5 inch is close to that of the
223 Remington, and if necked-down to 22-caliber, it delivers
approximately the same ballistics. The original case-forming and
loading dies were made up by RCBS in Oroville, California, and
these can still be ordered as a regular stock item.
General Comments As originally conceived, the 308x1.5 inch
was envisioned by the author as a varmint-through-deer class
sporting cartridge that could be chambered in very lightweight,
short-action rifles for hunting under conditions where reduced
bulk and heft would be at a premium. As a secondary possibility,
it could provide a very efficient 30-caliber match or even a
benchrest cartridge. However, it has emerged as more of a spe¬
cial-purpose handgun cartridge for use in custom single shot pis¬
tols for silhouette shooting. Many custom barrels have been made
for the popular Thompson/Center Contender single shot pistol in
308x1.5 inch caliber, and in addition, the Wichita Silhouette Pis¬
tol, made by Wichita Engineering and Supply, Inc. of Wichita,
Kansas, offers it as a standard caliber. Also, a number of custom
pistolsmiths who make up single shot pistols based on the Rem¬
ington XP-100 bolt action offer it as a caliber choice.
As a rifle cartridge, the 308x1.5 inch delivers initial velocities
in excess of the factory-loaded 30-30 Winchester. (A true 2530 to
2540 fps with the 150-grain bullet as opposed to the advertised
2410 fps of the commercial 30-30.) Actually, as demonstrated
through chronograph tests made by the author and others, the
factory 150-grain loading of the 30-30 develops only about 2250
fps from a 22-inch barrel and most ofthe 30-30s sold have 20-inch
barrels. Since the 308x1.5 inch is used exclusively in bolt- or sin¬
gle shot actions, this allows the use of spitzer bullets, which
means that the retained velocity at the longer ranges will also be
greater than the flat-pointed 30-30 bullet. The author has had
great success with this little cartridge in hunting deer, feral pigs
and feral goats. Properly loaded, it has good killing power on ani¬
mals up to deer-size at ranges out to about 150 yards or so.
Small cartridges such as the 308x1.5 inch are very efficient
and deliver performance out of all proportion to their size. How¬
ever this is only achieved at relatively high pressure levels of
around 50,000 to 52,000 psi. Commercial 30-30 ammunition, by
comparison, is not loaded to over about 40,000 psi. When loading
the 308x1.5 inch, or any similar cartridges, to maximum perfor¬
mance levels, only a few tenths of a grain of powder can run the
pressure up to unsafe pressure levels. Also, if military brass is
used for forming cases, all maximum charges must be reduced
because the heavier brass reduces the case capacity and increas¬
es the loading density, thereby increasing pressure. A number of
shooters have been using the 308x1.5 inch for shooting cast bul¬
lets. Lou Delgado of Thousand Oaks, California, has been experi¬
menting with cast bullets and various twists from 1 in 12 inches
through 1 in 16 inches.
308x1.5" Barnes Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
80
IMR 4198
28.0
2875
80
IMR 4198
29.0
2938
93
IMR 4198
28.5
2835
100
IMR 4198
28.5
2810
1755
125
H-380
30.0
2015
1125
125
H-380
30.0
2015
125
IMR 3031
29.0
2352
125
IMR 4198
27.0
2557
125
IMR 3031
29.0
2350
1535
125
IMR 4198
28.0
2640
1935
150
IMR 4198
27.0
2530
2130
150
H-380
23.0
1589
150
IMR 4064
27.0
2032
150
IMR 4198
21.0
2027
150
IMR 4198
26.0
2456
150
IMR 3031
28.0
2370
1870
170
IMR 3031
27.5
2112
170
IMR 4198
24.5
2233
180
IMR 4198
24.0
2180
1900
180
IMR 3031
26.0
2035
178 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
30 Herrett
Historical Notes The 30 Herrett was developed as a handgun
hunting cartridge by grip maker Steve Herrett and noted gun
writer Bob Milek. It was intended for use in the Thompson/Cen¬
ter single shot pistol, and the first barrels were made up in 1972,
although Thompson/Center did not offer it as a standard cham¬
bering until 1973. The cartridge is based on a shortened and
reformed 30-30 Winchester case reduced to 1.6 inches as com¬
pared to the original length of 2.04 inches. The case is longer and
has greater powder capacity than the 30 Carbine, and when fired
in the 10-inch barrel of the Thompson/Center pistol, delivers a
rather impressive performance. Muzzle velocities of over 2000 fps
are possible with the 125- or 130-grain bullet.
General Comments Conceived as a superior handgun hunt¬
ing cartridge, the 30 Herrett has been used successfully on
everything from varmints to deer. However, as loaded and used
in the Thompson/Center pistol, it develops less velocity and
energy than the standard 30/30 rifle and must be considered on
the marginal side as a medium game cartridge in the hands of
the average hunter. Much of its success has been due in no
small part to the skill of the people who have used it. On the
other hand, it offers greater power than the 357 Magnum car¬
tridge which some consider adequate for big game in the hands
of a skilled hunter and good shot. As with all big game hunting
with a handgun, it boils down to the question of who is doing
the hunting. What Bob Milek or someone in that class can do
and what the average person can do are two different things. In
any event, the 30 Herrett is an outstanding long-range hand¬
gun varmint cartridge, particularly with 110-, 125- or 130-grain
bullets. It has also been used with success for silhouette shoot¬
ing, although most shooters prefer the 357 Herrett for this
sport. The 30 Herrett is a good example of a wildcat cartridge
designed for a specific purpose not really covered by anything
in the commercial line, and one that fulfills its design purpose
extremely well.
30 Herrett Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
100 SP
2400
19.0
2210
1090
110 HP
2400
20.0
2270
1260
125 SP
IMR 4227
23.0
2205
1350
130 SP
2400
19.0
2000
1160
150 SP
N200
27.0
2100
1470
30-30 Ackley Improved
Historical Notes The 30-30 Winchester is one of the most popu¬
lar sporting cartridges ever produced. It is the standard American
deer cartridge, but its popularity is due more to the light, handy
carbines that chamber it than to its ballistics. Many hunters have
wished that the 30-30 had a little more oomph . The 30-30
Improved does just that by providing an additional 200 to 300 fps
within the working pressure limits of the standard Model 94 Win¬
chester action, which is 38,000 CUP maximum. There are various
versions of the 30-30 Improved, but the Ackley version is the most
popular. The exact date of introduction is not known, but was
probably sometime in the early 1950s or perhaps even earlier.
General Comments The 30-30 Improved basically requires
only a simple rechambering job. Cases are made by firing stan¬
dard 30-30 Winchester ammunition in the Improved chamber,
then reloading them. However, anyone who favors the Model 94
Winchester or Marlin 336 and wants more power than the stan¬
dard 30-30 offers can simply buy one in 307 Winchester caliber.
This makes the Improved 30-30 pretty much obsolete for new
rifles, but it is still a good modification for older Model 94s or
Marlins.
30-30 Ackley Improved Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 SP
RL-7
36.0
2750
1680
110 HP
RL-7
35.0
2610
1660
130 SP
W-748
36.0
2385
1645
150 SP
RL-7
30.0
2270
1720
150 SP
IMR 3031
37.0
2617
2280
Ackley
170 SP
IMR 3031
35.0
2310
2020
8th Edition 179
Chapter 4
30IHMSA
Historical Notes Just one of an entire series of cartridges designed
by Elgin Gates, the 30 IHMSA (International Handgun Metallic Sil¬
houette Association) is among the more popular of the group that
ranges from 25- through 35-caliber. All are similar and are designed
specifically for chambering in single shot handguns. The intention
was to offer competitors a choice of easy to make chamberings that
could deliver the desired momentum to distant targets. In this
endeavor Mr. Gates appears to have been eminently successful.
General Comments The 30 IHMSA is based on the 300 Sav¬
age case. Cases are formed by simply sizing in the full-length die.
This process drives the inside of the shoulder back to achieve a
38-degree shoulder angle, providing superior headspace control
and a longer case neck. The same treatment, combined with nec¬
essary neck sizing, is utilized for all cases in the IHMSA fine,
which seems to accommodate every standard bullet size from 25-
through 35-caliber.
30 IHMSA Loading Data (14" barrel)
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
110
H4895
39.0
2468
1485
Hodgdon
110
H322
37.0
2409
1415
Hodgdon
125-130
H4895
38.0
2369
1555-1620
Hodgdon
125-130
H4198
33.0
2343
1520-1580
Hodgdon
150
H4895
37.0
2351
1840
Hodgdon
150
H414
44.0
2262
1700
Hodgdon
165-168
H414
43.0
2184
1745-1775
Hodgdon
165-168
H4350
43.0
2177
1735-1765
Hodgdon
180
H4350
43.0
2177
1890
Hodgdon
180
H4895
35.0
2129
1810
Hodgdon
190
H4350
42.0
2133
1915
Hodgdon
190
H4895
34.0
2062
1795
Hodgdon
200
H414
39.0
1978
1735
Hodgdon
200
H4350
40.0
1967
1715
Hodgdon
220
H4350
39.0
1853
1675
Hodgdon
220
H450
42.0
1814
1605
Hodgdon
30-06 Ackley Improved
Historical Notes The 30-06 Ackley Improved is made by firing
the standard 30-06 in the Improved chamber. Headspace is the
same, but the Improved case has a more abrupt shoulder, less
body taper and a larger shoulder diameter. The most popular ver¬
sion was developed by P.O. Ackley in 1944, but there are other
versions as experiments go back to 1940 or even earlier. This has
always been a controversial cartridge with its detractors claim¬
ing it was not as good as the standard ’06, and its defenders
claiming it was better than the 300 H&H Magnum. Actual
chronograph tests have proven it to be definitely superior to the
standard 30-06 cartridge with slow-burning powders, but not
with the medium- to fast-burning powders.
General Comments The advantage of owning a wildcat cham¬
bered rifle that will also shoot standard factory ammunition is
obvious. The various Improved cartridges from 22- through 35-
caliber are all designed to do exactly that. The idea is to provide
superior performance by handloading the Improved case, without
eliminating the standard factory round when an ammunition
shortage or other occasion demands.
The 30-06 Ackley Improved is one of the most popular and
widely used of the Improved breed. With the proper powder, it
will add a little over 100 fps muzzle velocity to any bullet weight,
as opposed to the standard factory-loaded cartridge. This does
make it equal to the original factory-loaded 300 H&H Magnum
with 150-, 180- and 220-grain bullets but, of course, the 300 Mag¬
num can also be handloaded to exceed anything possible in the
Improved ’06. Best results are obtained with slow-burning pow¬
ders such as IMR 4350 or Hodgdon 4831. The 30-06 Improved
would be adequate for any North American game. As is typical of
Ackley’s improved series of cartridges, this design exhibits
reduced case stretching and easier extraction compared to the
more tapered standard version.
30-06 Ackley Improved Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
130 SP
IMR 4895
54.0
150 SP
IMR 4350
59.0
165 SP
IMR 4350
58.0
180 SP
IMR 4350
56.0
200 SP
H 4831
59.0
200 SP
IMR 4350
54.0
220 SP
IMR 4350
54.0
MV
ME
Source
3150
2860
P.O. Ackley
3070
3150
P.O. Ackley
2940
3180
P.O. Ackley
2825
3200
P.O. Ackley
2760
3180
P.O. Ackley
2675
3190
P.O. Ackley
2620
3365
P.O. Ackley
180 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
30-338 Winchester Magnum
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed specifically for
use in 1000-yard benchrest competition. It was created by simply
necking the 338 Winchester Magnum to 30-caliber and almost
exactly duplicates the 308 Norma magnum. (Norma’s commercial
offering has slightly less case taper and is slightly longer.)
General Comments The 30-338 Winchester Magnum fills a
void in Winchester’s Magnum line, created when Winchester
introduced the 300 Magnum. The 264, 338 and 458 Magnum all
share a 2.5-inch case length. Evidently to avoid direct competi¬
tion with the existing 308 Norma magnum and to better com¬
pete with the well-established, and substantially longer, 300
Weatherby Magnum, Winchester opted to increase case length
and push the shoulder forward on their new 30 caliber magnum
(actual usable capacity increase was marginal). The Wildcat 30-
338 is likely exactly what Winchester would have offered had
Norma not beaten them to the punch. Ballistics are very similar
to the 300 Winchester Magnum, despite the slight reduction in
powder capacity. Compared to that commercial chambering, a
slightly longer case-neck provides superior purchase for longer
bullets.
30-338 Winchester Magnum Loading Data (26" barrel)
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 PSPCL (Rem)
A4350
71.5
3203
3415
Accurate
150 PSPCL (Rem)
A3100
76.0
3145
3295
Accurate
168 Sierra MK
A3100
68.5
3047
3460
Accurate
168 Sierra MK
A4350
73.5
3076
3530
Accurate
180 Sierra MK
A3100
72.5
2964
3510
Accurate
180 Sierra MK
A4350
66.0
2929
3430
Accurate
190 Sierra MK
A3100
72.3
3006
3810
Accurate
190 Sierra MK
A4350
65.0
2888
3520
Accurate
200 Sierra MK
A3100
71.0
2921
3790
Accurate
200 Sierra MK
A4350
64.0
2811
3510
Accurate
220 Sierra MK
A3100
70.0
2735
3655
Accurate
220 Sierra MK
A4350
63.0
2646
3420
Accurate
220 Sierra MK
A8700
80.0
2528
3120
Accurate (Very mild pressure)
30-378 Weatherby
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed specifically for
use in 1000-yard benchrest competition. It was created by simply
necking the 378 Weatherby case to accept 30-caliber bullets. The
standard design retains the trademark Weatherby double-radius
shoulder.
General Comments The 30-378 case can hold over 120 grains of
powder, compared to about 90 grains for the 300 Weatherby—the
largest commercial 30-caliber case. With the advent of new slower-
burning powders, increased capacity promises a useful advantage
to the handloader. (Recent availability of match-grade bullets
weighing 250 grains served to increase potential benefit, and resul¬
tant demand, for a chambering with increased powder capacity.)
The 30-378 Weatherby certainly delivers on this promise: It is a
simple matter to load 250-grain Sierra Match King bullets to pro¬
duce almost 3000 fps muzzle velocity without exceeding 30-06 pres¬
sure levels and that from a 26-inch barrel! Lighter bullets can be
driven faster but with those this chambering offers less advantage
over standard 300 Magnum chamberings. When bullets lighter
than 200 grains are fired from a 26-inch barrel, this cartridge is
only marginally superior to the 300 Weatherby. However, with 30-
inch barrels installed, ballistic difference is significant with all bul¬
lets weights. Those looking for the ultimate long-range hunting
rifle for smaller species might give this chambering a hard look. A
single shot rifle equipped with a 30-inch tube offers reasonable
handling ease and, if chambered for this cartridge, would deliver
huge doses of energy to a distant target with the flattest trajectory
available. Accurate Arms data shows the 250-grain MK generat¬
ing the same muzzle energy as the 458 Winchester Magnum when
loaded to about the same pressure! How about a 300-grain VLD
launched from a 30-inch barrel at 2800 fps?
30-378 Weatherby Loading Data (26" barrel)
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
180 Bames-X
A8700
118.0
3283
4310
Accurate
200 Nosier Partition
A8700
117.0
3208
4570
Accurate
200 Sierra HPBT
A8700
117.0
3163
4440
Accurate
220 Sierra HPBT
A8700
115.0
3050
4545
Accurate
250 Sierra HPBT
A8700
111.0
2954
4840
Accurate
8th Edition 181
Chapter 4
30 Cody Express
Historical Notes The 30 Cody Express was originally designed
and built by Vinton W. (Vint) Knechtges II and Peter J. (Pete)
Edquist, both of Minneapobs, Minnesota. The cartridge is named
after Vint’s grandfather, Michael W. (Mike) Cody, one of the top
salesmen for Federal Cartridge Co. for over 30 years. This car¬
tridge is a very long-range varmint shooting and deer hunting
round, and is probably the ultimate 500- to 650-yard prairie dog
number. It offers an extremely flat trajectory with very little wind
drift. Velocities of 4050 fps can be achieved with 110-grain, 30-
caliber bullets. The parent cartridge for the 30 Cody Express is
the 416 Rigby.
General Comments Vint’s test rifle was a Remington Model
721 with the bolt face opened up and a Sako extractor installed.
The barrel is a 34-inch heavy Douglas Premium with a 1 in 9 inch
twist, with a muzzlebrake of Vint’s design. This is a highly spe¬
cialized cartridge with a narrow spectrum of use. Though capable
of taking large game at very long ranges, the author does not con¬
done this practice. On the other hand, 600-yard prairie dog shoot¬
ing proved to be quite enjoyable. This cartridge is capable of
driving a 250-grain bullet to a velocity of 3900 fps, producing over
8000 fpe at the muzzle. Firing a load such as this in a sporting-
weight rifle could prove extremely uncomfortable, so Vint’s rifle
weighs over 14 pounds to keep recoil down. Even when one takes
into account that the approximately 300 fps of muzzle velocity
advantage this chambering enjoys over the more mundane 300
Magnums is due to increased barrel length, the 30 Cody is most
impressive. However, the higher velocities can only be achieved
with heavier bullets and the penalties paid for the increased per¬
formance—extreme recoil, muzzle blast and very short barrel
life—may offset any advantage.
30 Cody Express Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
110 HP
H-4831
95.0
4050
4010
Vint Knechtges
125 SP
H-4831
92.0
4000
4440
Vint Knechtges
168 HP
H-4831
82.0
3850
5530
Vint Knechtges
250 SP
H-4831
85.0
3900
8445
Vint Knechtges
Note: Federal 215 magnum primers used for all loads.
8mm-06
Historical Notes Immediately following WWII, many shooters
found themselves in possession of 8mm Mauser military rifles for
which they could not obtain suitable ammunition. What was
more natural then but to rechamber these rifles for the 30-06
case, with the neck expanded to take .323-inch bullets? Presto!
The 8mm-06 was bom. It is impossible to state positively who
first accomplished this as it probably happened at several places
at about the same time.
General Comments The 8mm-06 in standard or improved
form is one of the better wildcat developments. It is similar to the
German 8x64mm (S) Brenneke in both dimensions and perfor¬
mance. Using European nomenclature, this would be the
8x63mm (S) caliber. With the 125-grain bullet, it makes a very
good varmint cartridge, while with 200- to 250-grain bullets it
would be adequate for any North American big game. For those
who don’t care for the performance of the standard 8mm car¬
tridge, the 8mm-06 provides an inexpensive means of altering
Mauser military rifles to a more powerful cartridge. However, the
conversion eliminates the use of cheap, surplus military ammu¬
nition and has to be 100 percent handloaded. These two factors
should be considered in light of how they affect the overall use of
the rifle.
8mm-06 Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150
4895
59.0
3026
3050
Ackley
170 SP
IMR 4064
57.0
2930
3240
Ackley
200 SP
IMR 4350
61.0
2700
3260
225 SP
IMR 4350
58.0
2515
3165
250 SP
IMR 4831
62.0
2380
3145
Ackley
182 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
333 OKH
Historical Notes The 333 OKH was developed by Charles
O’Neil, Elmer Keith and Don Hopkins in 1945. It is the 30-06
case necked-up to accept .333-inch diameter bullets. At the
time the cartridge was developed .338-inch diameter bullets
were not generally available, but .333-inch bullets were. When
the 338 Winchester Magnum was introduced in 1958, a wide
variety of 338 bullets became available which led to rifles
being made for the 338-06 cartridge. The difference between
the 333 OKH and the 338-06 is miniscule and one can use
loading data interchangeably. However, the two bullet diame¬
ters are not interchangeable. For additional information see
the 338-06.
General Comments The 333 OKH was a very good cartridge,
but is now obsolete.
333 OKH Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
250
4350
62.0
2400
3200
Ackley
275
4895
45.0
2202
2960
Ackley
275
4831
57.0
2314
3270
Ackley
334 OKH
Historical Notes The 334 OKH is another development by
O’Neil, Keith and Hopkins dating back to the late 1940s. This one
is based on the 300 H&H Magnum necked-up to 333-caliber. Bul¬
lets of this size were made by Fred Barnes in weights from 200 to
300 grains. The 334 OKH is the forerunner of a number of devel¬
opments leading up to the 338 Winchester Magnum. After the
Winchester Magnum was introduced, everyone switched to .338-
inch diameter bullets.
General Comments The 334 OKH is an excellent big game car¬
tridge for North American hunting and is also adequate for most
soft-skinned African big game. Like all other 333-caliber car¬
tridges, it was made obsolete by the 338 Winchester Magnum.
Bullets are no longer available in 333-caliber.
338-223 Straight
Historical Notes The 338-223 Straight originated with Max
Atchisson of Atlanta, Georgia in 1972. It was intended as the car¬
tridge for a blow-back semi-auto rifle he designed. It also had a
secondary purpose as a possible cartridge for use in rebarreled
Model 1907 Winchester self-loading rifles chambered for the 351
Winchester SL. At that time 351SL ammunition was no longer
manufactured and was difficult to obtain in shooting quantities.
However, Winchester reintroduced 351SL ammunition and elim¬
inated that problem.
Although strictly an experimental development, the 338-223 is
interesting because it is the ultimate possibility in necking up the
223 Remington or similar brass cases. There are two versions of
the cartridge, one made by necking up the full-length 223 case
and the other based on cutting off the 223 case at the shoulder
and trimming it to 1.412 inches. The full-length version present¬
ed two problems: It is difficult to make without splitting the case
neck, and with an overall length of 2.54 inches, it is too long to
338-223 Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
200 SP 2400 18.3
200 SP I MR 4227 19.0
Loading data for the short case only.
function through the action of rebarreled Model 1907 Winchester
rifles. The short case, on the other hand, is almost the same
length as the 351 Winchester SL and can be made to work in the
Model 1907 riffle.
General Comments The 351 Winchester SL is loaded with a
180-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1850 fps. The 338-223 has
a 200-grain bullet at 1820 fps, so the two are ballistically almost
identical. Both cartridges are considered marginal for deer, but
do very well on coyote, bobcat, mountain Hon or similar predators
at close range. The 338-223 project was eventually dropped
because the reappearance of 351 Winchester ammunition made
such a cartridge non-viable. One problem with the 338-223 is that
it is a rimless case which must headspace on the case mouth. This
works well with short pistol cartridges, but not as well with high-
powered rifle calibers. Finally, there doesn’t seem to be any real
need for such a cartridge.
MV ME
1820 1880
1750 1370
8th Edition 183
Chapter 4
338-378 KT
(338-378 Weatherby)
Historical Notes The 338-378 Keith-Thompson was developed
specifically to deliver big heavy bullets to distant big game ani¬
mals with a flat trajectory. Elmer Keith always advocated the 33
bore as minimum for elk hunting. The advent of the 378 Weath¬
erby case gave him ready access to a larger capacity case that
would allow equal weight bullets to be launched several hundred
feet per second faster than was safely possible with existing
0.338-inch Magnums. Evidently this was an opportunity Elmer
could not pass up.
General Comments The 338-378 KT holds more than 120
grains of powder, compared to about 90 grains for the 340 Weath¬
erby—then the largest commercial 0.338-inch case. With the
advent of new slower-burning powders, suitable for handloading
in this cartridge, the 338-387 KT should gain added support
among the “Bigger is Better” genre of hunters. Should loading
data become available for some of the newer powders between
H4831 to H870 in burning rates this cartridge could soon gain
new popularity. The only data we could find is for H4831, which
is decidedly too fast burning for this number. Still, velocities
exceed what the 340 Weatherby can offer by about 10 percent
when loaded to similar pressures. Properly loaded with a some¬
what slower powder this chambering should be able to gain about
100 fps more velocity advantage. When combined with the more
aerodynamic hunting bullets available, this number can easily
deliver substantially more energy at one-quarter of a mile than
the 30-06 produces at the muzzle.
338-378 KT Loading Data (26" barrel)
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
250
H4831
98.0
3009
5030
Hodgdon
275
H4831
95.0
2859
4990
Hodgdon
300
H4831
90.0
2731
4965
Hodgdon
Historical Notes The 338/50 is the work of Skip Talbot, Tal¬
bot’s Custom Equipment in Fallon, Nevada. Skip began develop¬
ment of the cartridge in 1984 as an outgrowth of working with
the 50-caliber Browning Machine Gun cartridge. The 338/50 is
the 50BMG necked-down to 338-caliber and with the shoulder
angle increased to 35 degrees. The primary purpose of the 338/50
is long-range target shooting at ranges out to 3000 yards. Form¬
ing dies are made by RCBS.
General Comments The 338/50 is a highly specialized car¬
tridge and not intended for hunting. It would, of course, be ade¬
quate for any North American big game and the same would
apply to Africa. The cartridge is over bore capacity and severe
throat erosion occurred within only 250 rounds. Talbot also tried
a shortened version of the cartridge, about 1-inch shorter than
the full-length case, in order to increase the loading density. The
maximum load of 170 grains of Accurate Arms 8700 powder occu¬
pied only about 77 percent of the volumetric capacity. However,
the short version was not successful because muzzle velocity was
reduced by about 500 fps. The full-length case developed a muzzle
velocity of 3700 fps with the 250-grain bullet when fired from a
44-inch barrel. By comparison, the 340 Weatherby Magnum
pushes the 250-grain bullet at an initial velocity of 2850 fps from
a 26-inch barrel, so the 338/50 develops an additional 850 fps
with the same bullet. When one considers that, perhaps, 500 fps
of the muzzle velocity results solely from a longer than standard
barrel, these ballistics are not so impressive. However, with a
much slower powder and bullets of 300 grains or heavier, the
results might be spectacular. It is an interesting cartridge, but
not very practical for most purposes.
338/50 Talbot Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
250 SP AA8700 170.0 3700 7625
184 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
Historical Notes This is a 1988 innovation by Evan Whildin,
who was Vice President of Action Arms, Ltd. at that time. The
9mm Action Express (9mm AE) is the 41 Action Express case
necked-down to 9mm. It retains the 41AE rebated rim which is
the same diameter as the standard 9mm Luger. The advantage of
this in the 9mm AE is that the cartridge offers a larger case that
can be used in firearms originally designed for the 9mm Luger
without the necessity of changing the bolt or breech face. This will
allow a number of 41AE semi-auto pistols and carbines to be
changed to the 9mm version by the installation of kits made
available for specific weapons.
General Comments The 9mm AE has been tested in the Uzi
semi-auto pistol and in specially altered 1911 Colt pistols. As a
commercial round, it appeared chambered in the Action Arms
TZ-75S88. It is a sort of super 9mm and as such is more powerful
than the 38 Colt Super Auto. It has an advantage over the 9mm
Winchester Magnum since it is shorter and most 9mm pistols can
be adapted to it. Tests in a 10-inch pressure barrel gave muzzle
velocities with a 95-grain bullet of 1880 fps at 31,760 CUP and
1903 fps with a 100-grain bullet at 34,880 CUP. These pressures
are a bit on the high side for many semi-auto pistols. On the oth¬
er hand, these are top loads and can be reduced and still maintain
impressive velocities. A 124-grain bullet was measured at 1590
fps and 28,550 CUP, a load which could be digested by most 9mm
autos. The 9mm AE is a potentially good self-defense and field
cartridge. Of course, converted auto pistols are not likely to have
10-inch barrels, 5 inches being more normal. However, safe loads
of around 1500 fps with the 124-grain bullet have been tested in
converted Colt 1911 autos with 5-inch barrels. This beats the 38
Colt Super Automatic and its 130-grain bullet at 1275 fps. This
caliber is not being manufactured at this time.
9mm Action Express Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
115JHP
No. 9 16.1
1825
850
Action Arms
124 JHP
IMR 4227 13.3
1225
415
Action Arms
124 JHP
H-110 16.5
1530
645
Action Arms
9x25mm Dillon
Historical Notes Final design of the 9x25mm was completed in
1988 but the cartridge languished until top IPSC competitor Rob
Latham began testing in 1991. This cartridge was developed by a
group of people at Dillon, but was chiefly Randy Shelly's concept
and he is primarily responsible for the design. Randy's intention
was to create a 9mm cartridge that would function through stan¬
dard pistols and still produce major IPSC Power-Factor without
requiring excessive pressures. In an effort to achieve Major Pow¬
er Factor ratings with light bullets, which reduce recoil, many
IPSC competitors have routinely used 38 Super loads generating
rifle-type peak pressures! The 9x25mm is based on the 10mm
Automatic case necked to 9mm and with its increased capacity it
allows loads to achieve Major Power within more reasonable
pressure envelopes.
General Comments The 9x25 Dillon is formed by necking the
10mm Automatic case to 9mm with a sharp shoulder and a short
neck. This creates a relatively high capacity pistol cartridge
which is based on a high-pressure case. With the proper bullet
and powder the 9x25mm Dillon can generate significant muzzle
energy and it easily achieves IPSC Major-Power momentum lev¬
els. Vihtavuori has recently designed a powder (tentatively called
N105) specifically for this and similar cartridges. Hodgdon will
soon announce a similar new powder in their extensive product
line. Appropriate 9mm bullets are readily available. The future
is bright for this cartridge, which might very well achieve com¬
mercialization very soon. Springfield Armory offers guns in this
chambering and several custom barrel makers chamber their
tubes for this round. Representing an increasingly unique exam¬
ple of the breed, the 9x25mm Dillon meets a recognized need.
Those interested in more information on the 9x25mm and
Randy's newest development, the 9x30mm, can contact him at
Tombstone Smoke TNT Deals in Phoenix, AZ.
9x25mm Dillon Loading Data (8" barrel)
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 FMJ/RN
No. 9
15.3
1751
680
Lyman
100 FMJ/RN
W296
17.2
1769
690
Lyman
115 JHP
Her-2400
13.0
1587
640
Lyman
115 JHP
W296
15.0
1566
625
Lyman
124 FMJ/FP
W296
14.4
1529
640
Lyman
130 Cast
W296
13.5
1479
630
Lyman (#356634)
8th Edition 185
Chapter 4
38-45 Auto
45-38 Auto Pistol
45-38 Clarke
Historical Notes Designed by Bo Clerke of Armory Gunshop,
Burbank, California, the 45-38 was first announced publicly in
the October, 1963 issue of Guns and Ammo magazine in an arti¬
cle by Howard French. The 45-38 Auto is based on the 45 ACP
case necked-down to accept standard 357 bullets. Super 38 ACP
barrels are rechambered to the new caliber and used in the 45
Colt Auto without any other change.
General Comments One of the inherent faults of most semi¬
auto pistols is their inability to digest cast or swaged lead bullets.
Much time and effort has been devoted to correcting this so that
the individual handloader can effect considerable improvement.
The necked design of the 45-38 cartridge eliminated any and all
feed and chambering problems with light or standard loads. With
a straight case, such things as bullet shape, seating depth, hard¬
ness of the alloy, etc., are critical. With the necked case they can
be ignored. The idea behind the 45-38 was to produce a satisfac¬
tory target round that would function with any type bullet and
any load sufficient to operate the gun mechanism. However, it
should also be an excellent field cartridge because it will allow the
use of hunting-type bullets. There is a definite need for an
Improved auto pistol hunting cartridge. Case configuration is the
same as the 38-45 Hard Head but loading data is not inter¬
changeable.
38-45 Auto, 45-38 Auto Pistol, 45-38 Clerke Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
130 FMJ Unique 7.5 1275 475
357 Auto Mag
Historical Notes The 357 Auto Mag is an outgrowth of the 44
Auto Mag (gv) and is based on the 44 Auto Mag case necked-down
to 357 -caliber. The 44 Auto Mag in turn is made by cutting off
30-06 or 308 Winchester brass to a length of 1.298 inches and
inside reaming to accept a .429-inch diameter bullet. The first
Auto Mag pistols were announced in 1970 and delivered in late
1971. These were, of course, in 44-caliber. The 357 Auto Mag did¬
n’t appear until 1973. For an extra $150 one could purchase both
the 357 and 44 barrel and slide assembly units to convert the pis¬
tol to handle either caliber with a relatively easy change of units.
The 357 Auto Mag cartridge was never made commercially. How¬
ever, Auto Mag ammunition was made in Mexico for a time and
also by Norma in Sweden so conversions of these to the smaller
caliber can be encountered. The Auto Mag semi-auto pistols are
no longer in production.
General Comments The 357 and 44 Auto Mag pistols were
made of stainless steel, had a 6 V 2 -inch barrel, an overall length of
IIV 2 inches and weighed 3.4 pounds. In other words, they were
quite large and heavy, much like the Desert Eagle pistols current¬
ly available from Magnum Research. The 357 Auto Mag pushed
the 158-grain jacketed bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1600 fps and
the 110-grain bullet at over 1900 fps when loaded to maximum
performance levels. This is certainly well in excess of anything
possible from the 357 Magnum revolver. Auto Mag pistols in 357
have been used with success on everything from varmint to deer.
Like many of the more powerful handgun cartridges, the ballistics
of the 357 Auto Mag are marginal for big game, but like the oth¬
ers, it can do the job in the hands of a good shot and accomplished
hunter. As a self-defense weapon, the Auto Mag pistols are a bit
unwieldy and overpowered. They are strictly for sporting use.
357 Auto Mag Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
110JHP
Blue Dot
19.0
1935
920
125 JHP
Blue Dot
18.0
1810
915
140 JHP
Blue Dot
17.0
1725
930
158JSP
Blue Dot
16.0
1500
795
158JSP
H-110
22.0
1635
940
186 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
357/44 Bain & Davis
Historical Notes The 357/44 Bain & Davis was listed in the First
Edition of CARTRIDGES OF THE WORLD (p.139) as the 44-357
Davis. That was almost 30 years ago! Intended for use in special,
rebuilt 44 Magnum revolvers, the cartridge had a rather short life
and then fell into disuse. However, in more recent times it has
resurfaced as a chambering for Thompson/Center Contender single
shot pistols, and in this application, it really comes into its own.
The cartridge was developed by gunsmith Keith Davis and first
announced in an article by Dan Cotterman appearing in the Janu¬
ary 1964 issue of Gun World magazine. The original purpose for
the design was to bring the velocity of the 38-caliber revolver up to
1410 fps with the 158-grain bullet. Actual velocity is, of course,
some 200 to 300 fps below that figure. Ammunition catalogs no
longer list the 158-grain 357 Magnum at anything like 1410 fps. In
any event, the 357/44 B&D did achieve its goal by developing veloc¬
ities in the revolver of over 1400 fps. The case is based on the 44
Magnum necked-down without any other change.
General Comments The 357/44 B&D is another wildcat that
started off as one thing (a high-velocity 38 revolver cartridge) and
ended up as something else (a silhouette and hunting round for
single shot pistols). What is interesting about this cartridge is
that although smaller than the 357 Herrett, it produces equal or
slightly superior ballistics. It is a potent and effective cartridge
for either metallic silhouette or small game hunting with bullets
of 110 to 158 grains. As a field cartridge, it will cover the spec¬
trum from small game and varmints up to deer, although it’s a bit
marginal for the latter. Cases are very easy to make, requiring
only a full-length sizing and seating die.
357/44 Bain & Davis Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
110JHP
W-296
24.0
2120
1100
110JHP
W-296
28.0
2365
1370
125 JHP
IMR 4227
26.0
2085
1205
125 JHP
W-296
25.0
2170
1310
158JSP
W-296
24.0
2045
1465
158 JSP
2400
18.0
1700
1020
All data for a 10-inch barrel Thompson/Center Contender pistol only.
35-30/30 (35-30)
Historical Notes Although not widely known, the 35-30/30 is one
of our oldest wildcats, having originated around the turn of the cen¬
tury. Its original purpose was to salvage worn-out 32-40 and 32
Winchester Special barrels by reboring them to 35-caliber. The idea
was also applied to improve the performance of Winchester Model
1894 rifles and carbines while staying within the cartridge length
and pressure limitations of this action. The 35-30/30 cartridge is
based on necking-up 30-30 or 32 Winchester Special brass without
any other change, although a few rifles have been made up to
accept the Ackley Improved version of this case. Recently there has
been a rebirth of interest in this cartridge by silhouette shooters
who like to use cast bullets. In 1976, Arizona gunsmith Paul Mar-
quart built several 35-30/30 silhouette rifles based on the Reming¬
ton 788 action, and these quickly established a reputation as being
both accurate and effective for the intended sport. Information on
these rifles was published in The Fouling Shot , published by the
Cast Bullet Association, and other shooters found it promising as a
target and hunting cartridge. The 35-30/30 can be loaded to about
equal the ballistics of the 35 Remington, and in fact, if Remington
hadn’t introduced their rimless 35 in 1908, it is highly possible that
the necked-up 30-30 would have become much more popular than
it did. In any event, it is picking up a new but modest following.
General Comments With jacketed bullets there is little, if
any, difference between the ballistics and killing power of the
35-30/30 and the 35 Remington. On paper the 35 Remington
appears to have an edge over the 35-30/30 because it has
about a 14 percent greater powder capacity, but the factory
200-grain bullet loading rarely attains 2000 fps except in a 24-
inch test barrel chiefly because of rather anemic loading pres¬
sures. As a cast bullet cartridge, the 35-30/30 with its longer
neck permits use of cast bullets as heavy as 270 grains seated
to a depth that will feed through magazine rifles designed for
the 30-30. This is not possible with the 35 Remington and its
short neck. In a strong action, the 35-30/30 can be loaded to
deliver performance approaching the 375 Winchester. How¬
ever, in a strong action, the 35 Remington can be stepped up
quite a bit too. It is possible to attain 1800 fps with a 300-grain
bullet in a strong action chambered for the 35-30/30, which
would make it suitable for elk or moose at short range. It is a
good cartridge for upping the performance of 30-30 rifles or for
salvaging worn-out 32 Special barrels. For a wildcat, it is
rather a special purpose cartridge, but one that may fill the
needs of a number of shooters. Dies are available from RCBS
and chambering reamers from Clymer.
35/30-30 Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 JSP
IMR 4198
25.0
1925
1650
208 Lead
IMR 4198
25.0
1895
1660
210 Lead
W630
15.0
1520
1080
Lyman 35875
245 Lead
H-335
30.0
1770
1710
Lyman 358318
282 Lead
H-335
28.0
1700
1810
Lyman 3589
292 Lead
W748
33.5
1620
1580
8th Edition 187
Chapter 4
357 Herrett
Historical Notes Although the 30 Herrett proved a good hand¬
gun hunting cartridge when used in the 10- or 14-inch barrel of
the Thompson/Center Contender single shot pistol, it needed to
be improved for hunting heavy game. One solution was to neck it
up to 357-caliber to take advantage of larger diameter, heavier
bullets. This was done in the initial development. However, it
appeared desirable to increase the powder capacity of the original
30 Herrett case and so the final design used a case length of 1.75
inches which is .15-inch longer than the 30 Herrett case. The
development of the 357 Herrett was the work of Steve Herrett
and gun writer Bob Milek. It was introduced as a standard cal¬
iber for the Thompson/Center pistol in 1974. Cases are made by
reforming, shortening, and necking-up 30-30 or 32 Winchester
Special brass. The case has a 30-degree shoulder angle. After
forming, the cases are fire-formed to the final configuration.
General Comments The 357 Herrett is another example of a
wildcat cartridge developed for a specific firearm and purpose
where there is a gap in the commercial line of ammunition. It
was intended primarily as a hunting cartridge for the heavier
varieties of medium game, however it has also become quite
popular among silhouette shooters. It serves both purposes well,
but one must bear in mind that as a hunting cartridge, it deliv¬
ers ballistics inferior to the 35 Remington fired from a rifle.
While it is perfectly capable of handling large animals under
average conditions, much depends on the skill of the user, some¬
thing that is true of all handguns and handgun cartridges when
used for hunting. The 357 Herrett is, nevertheless, one of the
best of the handgun cartridges for field use on medium or small
game and varmints. But all hunting success relies upon either
skill or luck.
357 Herrett Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
110JHP
2400
28.0
2600
1650
110JHP
IMR 4227
33.0
2685
1710
125 JHP
IMR 4227
31.0
2565
1820
150 JHP
IMR 4227
30.0
2380
1910
158JSP
IMR 4227
29.0
2310
1870
180JSP
IMR 4227
27.0
2130
1820
180JSP
N200
32.0
2125
1810
Above loads are for the Thompson/Center Pistol with 14-inch barrel.
35 Ackley Magnum
Historical Notes The original 35 Ackley Magnum was devel¬
oped in 1939 and was based on the Ackley short 30 Magnum No.
1 necked-up to 35-caliber. Later the Ackley short 30 Magnum No.
2 was developed to make possible the rechambering of 30-06 rifles
without setting back the barrel. This second 30 Magnum case
was necked-up to 35-caliber in 1946, and the older case discarded.
It is this second version that has become standard and is listed
here. In 1959 Norma introduced their 358 Magnum, which for all
practical purposes is identical to the 35 Ackley Magnum. There is
also an Ackley improved 35 Magnum which has a case length of
2.85-inch, based on the blown-out, full-length 300 H&H Magnum.
General Comments The 35 Ackley Magnum is representative
of the 35 short, belted Magnum group, so named because they are
based on a shortened case that will work through the standard-
length action. These cartridges will all deliver ballistics equal to
the 375 H&H Magnum, but don’t require a special magnum-
length action or magazine. There are a number of very similar
versions, such as the Mashburn 350 Short Magnum or the
Barnes 358 B-J Express and so on. They are all so similar that
loading data for one can be safely used for the other, and there is
little use in listing all of them individually. P.O. Ackley told the
author that he believed a 35 short magnum is the best and most
efficient of the 35 magnums, regardless of whose version it may
be. Cartridges in this class are all more than adequate for any
North American big game and, with proper bullets, just about
any African or Asiatic game as well. Their performance is paral¬
lel to the proven 375 H&H Magnum. The Norma version has the
advantage of being available on a commercial basis.
35 Ackley Magnum Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 SP
IMR 3031
64.0
3130
4365
P.O. Ackley
220 SP
IMR 4064
76.0
3040
4540
P.O. Ackley
250 SP
IMR 4350
63.0
2750
4210
P.O. Ackley
275 SP
IMR 4895
69.0
2760
4665
P.O. Ackley
300 SP
IMR 4350
73.0
2655
4710
P.O. Ackley
188 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
375 Whelen/
375 Whelen Improved
Historical Notes The 375 Whelen, also known as the 375-06, is
another cartridge that was not developed by the late Col.
Townsend Whelen, but was named in his honor. The cartridge
was actually the work of the late gunsmith and writer L.R. “Bob”
Wallack in 1951 and is based on the 30-06 case necked-up. There
are two versions, one based on the standard case and retaining
the original 17-degree, 30-minute shoulder angle, the other the
Improved case with a 40-degree shoulder angle. The Improved
case holds slightly more powder and provides better headspace
control, so it is the more popular version. The 375-inch caliber is
as far as one can go in expanding the 30-06 case without running
into headspace problems due to lack of a distinct shoulder. Exper¬
iments with larger diameter bullets have invariably led to head-
space problems. An example of this was the 400 Whelen which
never became popular and is no longer chambered.
General Comments The 375 Whelen is not as powerful as
the 375 H&H Magnum or the 375 Weatherby Magnum but
is nevertheless a good medium bore for most dangerous
game. It is certainly adequate for any North American big
game. It uses bullets from 200 to 300 grains, and because it
is strictly a handloading proposition, can be quite flexible.
There is no reason why it can’t be loaded down with 200- or
250-grain bullets for deer hunting as well as loaded to full
power for larger animals. This is one advantage of wildcat
cartridges; they must be handloaded and so can be tailored to
fit different game and hunting situations. As with the 338
and 35 versions of the ’06, Ackley’s improved design is much
superior. In this instance, it is mandatory to ensure ade¬
quate headspace control.
375 Whelen Improved Loading Data*
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
200 SP
IMR 4895
58
2450
2265
235 SP
IMR 4064
60
2475
3205
270 SP
IMR 4064
57
2380
3400
300 SP
IMR 4064
52
2110
2975
*This loading data should not be used for loading the standard 375 Whelen or
for fireforming improved cases.
401 Herter Powermag
Historical Notes This is a proprietary cartridge developed by
Heller’s, Inc. of Waseca, Minnesota in 1961. Heller’s was a mail¬
order gun, ammunition and loading supply house that once
offered a series of excellent products to the gun trade. The 401
Powermag was chambered in the Herter Powermag single-action
revolver. The cartridge is very similar to the 41 Remington Mag¬
num, but the two are not interchangeable. The case of the 41
Remington Magnum is .005-inch larger in diameter and .009-inch
longer than the 401 Powermag. Since the 401 Powermag preced¬
ed the 41 Magnum by 3 years, it is difficult to escape the possibil¬
ity that it served as the inspiration for the Remington Magnum.
On the other hand, the wildcat 400 Eimer existed in 1924. It is
also similar to the 401 and the 41 Magnums, so it is difficult to
decide who influenced who. Ammunition and loading components
for the 401 Powermag are no longer available.
General Comments The 401 Powermag is an excellent self-
defense or field cartridge. It is capable of doing anything the 41
Magnum can do. It has been used successfully on everything from
small game and varmints on up to deer and black bear. With the
availability of the commercial 41 Magnum and the many fine
guns chambered for it, there isn’t any need for the 401 Powermag,
even though it was, and still is, a fine cartridge.
401 Herter Powermag Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
160JSP
Unique
11.0
1325
625
180 JSP
Unique
10.0
1270
650
200 JSP
Unique
8.5
1140
580
200 JSP
Blue Dot
13.0
1280
735
8th Edition 189
Chapter 4
400 Whelen
Historical Notes Of the various cartridges named after the late
Col. Townsend Whelen, the 400 is the only one he actually devel¬
oped. According to Phil Sharpe,* Col. Whelen developed this car¬
tridge while he was commanding officer at Frankford Arsenal
during the early 1920s. The 400 Whelen is based on the 30-06
case necked-up.
General Comments The 400 Whelen was not a successful devel¬
opment because when the 30-06 case neck is expanded to this size it
400 Whelen Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
300 IMR 3031 60.0
350 IMR 3031 57.0
leaves only a very slight shoulder which gives rise to serious head-
space problems. Nonetheless, rifles of this caliber were used in the
U.S., Canada and Africa on big game with excellent results. The
maximum caliber that the 30-06 case can be necked up to without
creating headspace problems when cases are resized is 375.
*Sharpe, Phillip B., Complete Guide to Handloading, Funk & Wagnalls
Co., 1941, p.398.
MV ME
2265 3415
2100 3430
Historical Notes The 416 Barnes was the last cartridge design
of the late Frank Barnes. In the late 1980s, Frank began to think
about various 40-caliber rifle cartridges. He realized that though
there were many available, most were designed for use in Africa.
Frank felt there would be strong interest in a 416 designed for
American game and hunting conditions rather than the danger¬
ous African species. Additionally, he felt it would be advanta¬
geous if it could be adapted to several different rifle actions rather
than being limited to a single type. After studying the old 40-cal¬
iber cartridges which are too long for today’s actions, Frank set¬
tled on the final version which uses the 45-70 Government
cartridge as its base. By using the 45-70, there are a number of
current actions available, which would make easy conversions to
the 416 Barnes. Readily available and very reasonably priced in
particular was the Marlin 95 lever action. Unfortunately, few
commercial bullets in 416 are available in the weight range
intended for tubular magazine rifles.
General Comments The 416 Barnes would be an excellent car¬
tridge for North American big game. Loading data for this car¬
tridge is limited. Frank recommended using 37 grains of RL-7 to
push a 400-grain bullet at 1625 fps. IMR 3031 is another good
general purpose powder for the 416 Barnes in a lever-action rifle.
With jacketed bullets, it would most likely give the best accuracy
of any of the potential propellants. Frank found an accurate load
of 50 grains of IMR 3031 behind a 330-grain bullet. It gave him a
velocity of 2045 fps. This cartridge really comes into its own when
used with 270- and 330-grain bullets. Though it provides no real
advantage for the deer hunter, it would prove to be an excellent
elk, moose or brown bear cartridge.
416 Barnes Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
300 SP
IMR 4198
52
2355
3695
300 SP
RL7
54
2270
3435
330 Lead
IMR 3031
50
2045
3065
400 SP
IMR 4198
44
1920
3275
400 SP
IMR 4064
58
2140
4070
400 SP
H335
59
2155
4125
400 Lead
IMR 4198
39
1830
2975
190 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
445 Super Magnum
Historical Notes The challenge of knocking down metallic sil¬
houettes at ranges of 200 meters with a handgun requires con¬
siderable momentum and energy. Elgin Gates designed the 445
Super Magnum with this task in mind. The cartridge is essen¬
tially a 44 Magnum case with approximately Vs-inch added to the
overall length. As is the case with the 44 Magnum, the name is
somewhat misleading as it uses bullets of .429-inch diameter.
The 445 Super Mag, however, can drive the same bullets nearly
300 fps faster than the 44 Magnum. Dan Wesson Arms Co. is the
only company manufacturing a production gun for this cartridge.
And Starline Brass Co. is the only company producing brass. Cus¬
tom loaded ammunition is available from various custom loading
companies.
General Comments Due to the pressures involved and the
overall length of the cartridge, guns chambered for this cartridge
tend to be somewhat large and heavy. This has proved to be a
very accurate cartridge and a fine performer with bullets weigh¬
ing up to 300 grains. There is a price to pay for such performance
and it comes in the form of considerable muzzle blast and recoil.
The barrel compensator on some of the Wesson firearms has
tamed this cartridge considerably, reducing its recoil to that of a
44 Magnum. For those willing to put up with the recoil and muz¬
zle blast, this caliber could prove to be an excellent choice for
competition silhouette shooting or handgun hunting of large
game. With more and more bullet manufacturers producing
heavy jacketed bullets in this caliber of 300 grains and up this
cartridge can really come into its own. A note of caution may be
advised here. In my experience with this particular cartridge, I
have found that different guns reach maximum loads at differ¬
ent rates. While some work comfortably at the maximum loads
listed in loading manuals, others peak out well before this. As
with any load, work up to maximum loads with care. The case is
a shortened 444 Marlin and it is not safe to shoot 44 Magnums in
guns so chambered.
445 Super Mag Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
240 JHP
H-110
31.7
1400
1045
Homady
240 JHP
W-680
35.2
1500
1200
Homady
300 SP
H-110
28.2
1300
1125
Homady
300 SP
AAC1680
33.6
1350
1215
Homady
451 Detonics
Historical Notes Various mechanical features of the Colt
M1911 A1 auto pistol have prevented any significant ballistic
advance in the cartridges it chambers. One of these weaknesses is
that a portion of the cartridge head is unsupported so operating
pressures are dictated by the strength of that portion of the case.
The 45 Winchester Magnum has a substantially stronger case
head and dimensions identical to the 45 ACP except for a greater
length. In their search for a more potent 45-caliber round for their
45-caliber pistols, the Detonics Mfg. Co. decided to take advan¬
tage of this by trimming the 45 Winchester Magnum from its
nominal length of 1.198 inches back to .942-inch. This is still suf¬
ficiently longer than the 45 ACP so that the 451 Detonics car¬
tridge will not chamber in handguns intended for the 45 ACP.
The newly created case will handle much higher pressures than
the original 45 ACP and still function through actions of the same
length. Detonics not only chambered their Scoremaster and Com¬
bat Master semi-auto pistols for the 451 Detonics. They also
offered a conversion kit for the Colt Government, Gold Cup and
Commander pistols. The cartridge was introduced in 1983 and
Detonics furnished empty cases headstamped 451 Det/Mag.
Alternately, cases can be made from cut down 308 Winchester
brass. The Detonics company has since gone out of business.
Brass in this caliber is no longer available.
General Comments The idea of a more powerful 45 ACP car¬
tridge has long intrigued 45 auto buffs. The 451 Detonics was a
viable solution to what has heretofore been an insoluble problem.
A 185-grain bullet at 1353 fps and a 200-grain at 1281 fps is a
significant boost to the usual 45 ACP performance of a 230-grain
bullet at 850 fps. Recoil at this top loading gets rather heavy, so
most users of the 451 will want to stay below the top loads. The
451 Detonics is a good self-defense or field cartridge for small
game or varmint shooting.
451 Detonics Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
185 JHP
SR 4756
9.0
1110
510
200 JHP
Blue Dot
11.0
1010
660
200 JHP
Blue Dot
14.0
1200
645
225 JHP
Blue Dot
11.0
1005
510
8th Edition 191
Chapter 4
458x1 V 2 " Barnes
Historical Notes The 458x1V 2 -inch, which was never intended
to be anything except an abstract experiment, has surfaced in a
number of roles including a military one (see Chapter 7). It all
goes back to 1962 when the author was playing around with the
458 Winchester Magnum and cutting it off to various lengths that
finally culminated in the 458x2-inch. All this was reported in the
June 1963 issue of Guns & Ammo magazine. Nothing noteworthy
developed with this very short version as a sporting round until
the metallic silhouette game came into bloom, at which point sev¬
eral individuals built up special silhouette pistols based on the
Remington XP-100 action and chambered for the 458xlV2-inch.
One of these was Larry Stevens of Carson City, Nevada, who won
a number of matches in the unlimited class with this combina¬
tion. He reports the recoil with bullets of over 300 grains as being
rather heavy.
General Comments The 458x1V 2 -inch will certainly knock
down the metallic pigs and rams when fired from either a pistol
or a rifle. Also, a 300-grain bullet exiting the muzzle at 1500 to
1800 fps is a potent field load and could be effective for anything
from small game and varmints on up to deer-size animals. The
cases are easy to make by cutting off a standard magnum case
for a length of 1.50 inches. No one makes loading dies for the car¬
tridge, but one can improvise by using 45 Colt or other 45 pistol
dies. I had this cartridge picked as a loser that would never go
beyond the initial test firing, but all in all, it has had a rather
interesting history. Quien sabe?
458x1 1 / 2 " Barnes Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
300 JSP
IMR 4198
40.0
1805
2180
24" bbl.
300 JSP
IMR 4198
40.0
1680
1885
15" bbl.
*350 JSP
2400
23.0
1376
1470
12" bbl.
*350 JSP
2400
24.0
1435
1602
12" bbl.
*430 Lead
IMR 4227
26.0
1348
1740
12" bbl.
‘Loading data furnished by Larry Stevens
45 Silhouette
Historical Notes The 45 Silhouette is an approach to a big
bore silhouette cartridge using the full-length 45-70 govern¬
ment case, which is inefficient when used in 10- or 12-inch
barrels. The initial development was carried out by the author
and Dick Smith of the Washoe County Crime Laboratory dur¬
ing 1984. The idea resulted from earlier experience with the
458xlV2-inch cartridge which is based on the 458 Winchester
Magnum shortened to IV 2 inches. The 45 Silhouette is made
by cutting back the 45-70 case from 2.1 inches to IV 2 inches.
The performance of the two is similar, the difference being
that the 45 Silhouette is a rimmed case whereas the 458x1V 2 -
inch is a belted rimless case. The rimmed case is better suited
to break-open type actions such as the Thompson/Center Con¬
tender and might even be used in a revolver. Original testing
was in a Siamese Mauser bolt-action rifle with a 20-inch bar¬
rel. The idea is neither brilliant nor highly original. The end
result is very similar to the old 45-50 Peabody sporting car¬
tridge or the 11.75Rmm Montenegrin revolver cartridge, both
of blackpowder vintage. In any event, those wanting to work
with the 45 Silhouette can obtain a set of trim and loading dies
from RCBS in Oroville, California.
General Comments The 45 Silhouette is intended primarily to
shoot a 300-grain bullet of .457- or .458-inch diameter. Lighter or
heavier bullets can be used, but this detracts somewhat from the
original purpose, which is to provide a 45-caliber handgun car¬
tridge that shoots a 300-grain bullet. I think the late Elmer Kei¬
th would approve of this although he did not like some of my
other bright ideas. Although developed as a silhouette cartridge,
it would obviously also make a pretty good hunting number for
anything from small game on up through deer and black bear, at
least when fired from a 20-inch or longer rifle barrel. After all, a
300-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of over 1800 fps and 2100
foot pounds of energy out performs a number of popular deer-
class cartridges. Loading data listed below was developed in a
Siamese Mauser bolt-action rifle with 20-inch barrel and a cus¬
tom-barreled and modified Thompson/Center Contender pistol
with a 10-inch barrel. A twist of 1:16 or 1:18 is recommended with
V 4 -inch of freebore.
45 Silhouette Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
20-inch
barrel
300 Lead
IMR 4198
36.0
1610
1732
Lyman 456191
300 Lead
Blk-Ffg
44.0
1170
930
Lyman 456191
300 JHP
IMR 4198
35.0
1485
1470
300 JHP
IMR 4198
38.0
1670
1860
300 JHP
IMR 4198
40.0‘
1810
2180
10-inch
barrel
200 Lead
Unique
12.0
1325
785
300 Lead
SR 4759
23.0
1420
1350
300 JHP
IMR 4198
34.0
1240
1030
‘Compressed charge
192 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
Historical Notes This belted cartridge was designed by the
author in mid-1962. It is the 458 Winchester Magnum shortened
from a case length of 2 V 2 inches back to an even 2 inches. It is
designed as a medium-power, big bore cartridge for North Amer¬
ican hunting conditions and game. It is short enough to work
through either standard- or medium-length rifle actions. The
original rifle was made up on the short Remington Model 722
action as a lightweight carbine with 21-inch barrel. This provides
an extremely powerful rifle for its size and weight of IVa pounds.
The cartridge also works very well in the rebarreled Winchester
Model 94 Big Bore rifles.
General Comments The standard 458 Winchester Magnum
and the 460 Weatherby Magnum are overpowered for North
American big game. Both have very heavy recoil and require
heavy, expensive rifles. Efforts have been made by various
designers to provide a medium-power big bore cartridge more
suited to American needs. The 450-348 and 450 Alaskan are
examples of this, but they are rimmed cases suitable only for
lever-action or single shot rifles. The 458x2" fills the need for a
bolt-action round of modem design tailored to game found on the
North American continent. The 458x2" American is intended for
300- to 405-grain bullets. It gives good performance with these
and is adequate for the heaviest North American game at short to
medium range. It would also be quite handy for any but the more
dangerous varieties of African game in close cover. Case dimen¬
sions and capacity are similar to the 45-70, but modem actions
permit heavier loads. This cartridge is, in effect, a belted 45-70
rather than just a shortened 458 Magnum. Ammunition can be
made from 458 Magnum brass. Dies are available from RCBS
and chambering reamers from H&M Tool Co.
458x2" Loading Data for Cast Bullets
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
210
IMR 4198
23
1285
778
250
IMR 4198
28
1828
1860
300
IMR 4198
25
1370
1257
405
IMR 3031
45
1535
2120
Above loads are all economical, accurate and pleasant to shoot. All but the
for deer out to 150 yards.
Source
Lyman #457127 Light
plinking load
Lyman #454485 GC
sized .457"
Lyman #457191
Lyman #457483 GC
210-grain bullet are adequate
Loading Data for Jacketed Bullets
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
300
IMR 4198
36
1650
1820
Homady SJ 45 rifle
bullet
300
IMR 4198
40
1825
2223
Very accurate load
fine on deer
300
IMR 4198
55
2412
3900
Fred Barnes softpoint
300
HiVel
58
1984
2635
350
IMR 4198
51
2209
3810
Homady softpoint
350
HiVel
56
2034
3240
405
IMR 4198
51
2110
4005
Winchester softpoint
405
HiVel
56
1949
3422
Jacketed bullet loads are
intended for big game.
Note: All loads fired from 24-inch barrel, average temperature 78 deg. F. Winchester 458 Mag. cases and
Federal #215 primers used for all loads. Velocity measured with Avtron Model T333 electronic chronograph.
Barnes’ original rifle used the Remington Model 722 action and
made up a lightweight carbine with 21-inch barrel. Standard model
722 rifle shown.
8th Edition 193
Chapter 4
450 Alaskan
(45-348 Winchester Improved)
Historical Notes The 450 Alaskan was designed by Harold
Johnson who was a resident of Cooper’s Landing, Alaska. This
cartridge was designed to meet the demands of hunters who want>
ed a lever-action rifle that could deliver substantial energy and
bullet mass for use against the largest and most dangerous of
Alaskan game. Model 71s converted to this chambering are among
the most prized rifles in Alaska. Belted Magnum bolt-action rifles
are legion on the used gun racks in Alaska at certain times of the
year. Alaskan chambered Model 71s are never seen for sale at any
price! This is ample testimony to the power, dependability, accu¬
racy and ruggedness this combination delivers.
General Comments Ackley might have been the first to open
the hole through the barrel and improve the chamber of a Mod¬
el 71 Winchester. However, by Ackley’s own testimony, Mr.
Johnson’s version of the 45 caliber 348 Improved is a better
choice. The 450 Alaskan will function through the Model-7l’s
action with little or no alteration to the rifle’s feed mechanism,
Ackley’s version will not. Ackley’s version has slightly less body
taper and holds slightly more powder but ballistics are very
similar. The 450 Fuller is essentially identical to the 450
Alaskan excepting a different shoulder angle. Conversion to any
of these cartridges produces a Model 71 lever-action rifle capa¬
ble of delivering ballistics practically duplicating the 458 Win¬
chester Magnum. Any such conversion necessitates special
attachment measures to prevent the magazine and forend from
being separated from the receiver under the stresses of sub¬
stantial recoil these cartridges generate. The data shown below
is based on Mr. Ackley’s recommendation of reducing 450-348
Ackley Improved data 5 percent for use in the 450 Alaskan
chambering, velocities are estimates only.
450 Alaskan Loading Data (26"barrel)
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
350
IMR3031
67.0
2415
4535
Adapted 450-348 Ackley data, see text
400
IMR4064
67.0
2095
3900
Adapted 450-348 Ackley data, see text
400
IMR3031
67.0
2215
4360
Adapted 450-348 Ackley data, see text
500
IMR4064
66.0
2005
4465
Adapted 450-348 Ackley data, see text
450 Howell
Historical Notes The 375 Howell is one of three cartridges
designed by Ken Howell, of Stevensville, Montana. Ken’s idea
was to design a series of cartridges capable of taking African
game that would fit in a standard length bolt action. Ken began
his design sometime in the mid 1970s when Magnum Mauser
actions were prohibitively expensive and relatively rare. The car¬
tridge cases of the 375 H&H Magnum and 416 Rigby were much
longer than needed for efficient use with modem smokeless pow¬
ders. The 375 Howell was designed for approximately the opti¬
mum smokeless powder capacity for its bore size. All cartridges
are based on the 404 Jeffery case which measures 0.540-inch in
diameter at the base versus the 0.532-inch diameter of the H&H
base, thus offering a fairly substantial powder capacity in a short
case. The 450 Howell is actually based on Ken’s 416 Howell which
was the first of the three to be designed. The 450 was just a
necked-up version. The design of these non-belted magnums is
exceptional and unfortunately was never picked up by any of the
commercial cartridge companies.
General Comments With about a 10 percent increase in capaci¬
ty over the 458 Winchester Magnum, this cartridge can generate
fully 100 fps more velcity at the same pressure and with the same
cartridge length. It has file further significant advantage of superi¬
or accuracy potential because it headspaces on the shoulder rather
than a belt and, therefore, can be aligned better in the chamber.
450 Watts Magnum
Historical Notes The 450 Watts Magnum is made by necking-
up 375 H&H Magnum brass to accept .458-inch diameter bullets.
According to P.O. Ackley *, it was originated by a Mr. Watts and
Mr. Anderson of Yakima, Washington. It dates back to the 1950s
or earlier. The case is 0.35-inch longer than the 458 Winchester
Magnum. Because it holds more powder, it can be loaded to
slightly higher velocity than the 458 Winchester Magnum.
General Comments The 450 Watts is a powerful cartridge that
can push a 500-grain bullet a couple of hundred fps higher than
the 458 Winchester. However, the 458 is a more practical choice
because ammunition and rifles are readily available on a com¬
mercial basis. The difference in power is not that great and the
two will handle the same range of big game. Guns so chambered
can shoot 458 Winchester Magnum loads.
*op cit, p. 501
450 Watts Magnum Loading Data*
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
400 SP IMR 4198 85.0 2670 6320 Ackley
500 SP IMR 4320 98.0 2500 6920 Ackley
*P.O. Ackley, p. 501
194 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
475 Wildey Magnum
Historical Notes The 475 Wildey is the brainchild of Wildey J.
Moore. This cartridge was designed to be used in a big bore gas-
operated, semi-automatic handgun which was also designed by
Wildey Moore. The original pistol was chambered for the 45 Win¬
chester Magnum. In order to build the gun, Moore decided to sell
stock in his company to raise capital for production. In time, some
of the investors wanted to take active roles in production and
marketing of this particular handgun. Unfortunately, many of
these were not shooters or people knowledgeable about firearms.
Moore’s share in the Wildey company was diluted to 25 percent,
and without his knowledge, other shareholders in the company
formed a separate investment company to gain control of Wildey
Incorporated. In January 1983, Moore was fired from his compa¬
ny, but the new management ended up in bankruptcy less than a
year later. It took a few years for Moore to get back on his feet.
Using this time to advantage, he designed an entirely new pistol
with improved ballistics and a new cartridge, the 475 Wildey
Magnum. The 475 Wildey is based on the 284 Winchester car¬
tridge cut off to 1.395 inches then neck reamed to handle the 475
bullets. The cartridge is the same length as the 45 Winchester
Magnum, however, of greater diameter. Case forming dies for
this cartridge are available from both RCBS Inc. and Wildey
Incorporated. Bullets for the 475 Wildey are available from
Barnes bullets in American Fork, Utah. Several designs are
available both softpoints and solids. A real shot in the arm came
for the Wildey when the pistol was featured in Charles Bronson’s
movie, Death Wish III.
General Comments The Wildey is a very heavy handgun
designed to handle breech pressures exceeding 48,000 psi. Due to
its size and weight, its usefulness will be most likely limited to
hunting and some sport shooting, however, accuracy has proven to
be outstanding. Five-shot 25-yard groups consistently average less
than 1-inch. Ballistics are also impressive with 100-yard remaining
energies exceeding that of the muzzle from a 44 Magnum. Load
data from Wildey indicates that 18 grains of Blue Dot powder
should be used with a 300-grain jacketed bullet. With that load, a
300-grain Barnes JSP gives a muzzle velocity of 1610 fps with a
muzzle energy of 1727, most impressive. At this time, preformed
cases for the 475 Wildey are available directly from Wildey.
475 Wildey Magnum Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
250 SP Blue Dot 21.0 1850 1900 Wildey, Inc.
300 SP Blue Dot 18.0 1610 1727 Wildey, Inc.
475 Linebaugh
Historical Notes The 475 Linebaugh is the creation of John
Linebaugh of Maryville, MO. It is the current favorite in the con¬
test to develop the world’s most powerful revolver cartridge, a role
that, at least at this writing, it fills rather well. The cartridge is
based on the 45-70 government case cut off at IV 2 inches and
loaded with .475-inch diameter bullets weighing from 320 to 440
grains. The gun used is a modified, large-frame Ruger Bisley
revolver fitted with a five-shot cylinder and 5V2-inch barrel.
Longer barrels are available if so desired.
Cutting off the 45-70 case to a length of IV 2 inches is not a new
idea—the author did this back in 1984 to make the 45 Silhouette,
covered elsewhere in this chapter. However, adapting the IV 2 -
inch rimmed case to handle 475-caliber bullets is definitely an
innovative move.
The 475 Linebaugh was first announced in an article written
by Ross Seyfried appearing in the May 1988 issue of Guns &
Ammo magazine, a publication that has always featured infor¬
mation on new wildcat cartridge developments. Loading dies are
available from RCBS.
General Comments The 475 Linebaugh, like all the other
super-magnum handgun cartridges, is intended primarily for
hunting big game or as a backup when confronting dangerous
animals. A 370-grain bullet starting out at 1495 fps develops
1840 fpe, and a 440-grain bullet at 1360 fps develops 1800 fpe.
This is 108 foot pounds greater energy than the top 454 Casull
loading, so we can accept the claim that the 475 Linebaugh is
the world’s most powerful revolver cartridge. However, there
are other factors that would probably make it even more effec¬
tive, because the top energy load for the 454 Casull is a 260-
grain bullet at 1723 fps muzzle velocity. If we compare the
300-grain 454 bullet at 1353 fps and 1220 fpe with the 370-
grain 475 bullet at 1495 fps and 1840 fpe, the difference is even
more pronounced in favor of the 475. In fact, this works out to
be 620 foot pounds greater energy on the side of the 475
Linebaugh. On the other hand, if we are talking about handgun
cartridges in general, there are a number of silhouette car¬
tridges fired in single shot pistols that will beat the 475 in terms
of power. In any event, the 475 Linebaugh should make a very
fine big game revolver cartridge for those who insist on the
biggest or the most.
475 Linebaugh Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
370 SP
W-296
25.0
1000
825
John Linebaugh
370 SP
H-110
29.0
1285
1360
John Linebaugh
370 SP
H-110
33.0
1495
1840
John Linebaugh
440 SP
W-296
27.0
1280
1605
John Linebaugh
440 SP
W-296
29.0
1360
1800
John Linebaugh
8th Edition 195
Chapter 4
475 Ackley Magnum
475 OKH Magnum
Historical Notes These two cartridges are listed together
because they are virtually identical. Both can be formed by neck-
ing-up 375 H&H brass without any other change. The Ackley 475
Magnum originated in the middle 1950s. The bullet used is the
Barnes 600-grain softpoint or solid at a muzzle velocity of 2250
fps. The cartridge is normally chambered in bolt-action rifles.
General Comments A 600-grain bullet at 2250 fps develops
6752 fpe of energy, making for a very powerful cartridge adequate
for any dangerous African game. However, for those who like lots
of energy and power the 475 Ackley/OKH is not as powerful as
either the 460 Weatherby or the 475 A&M Magnum. In actual
practice, it probably wouldn’t make much difference because any
of these cartridges is capable of dispatching an elephant or Cape
buffalo with one shot. Of course, this has also been done with
smaller calibers developing less energy. So in the final analysis, a
great deal depends on the hunter and his skill. The cartridge is, of
course, overpowered for North American big game.
475 Ackley Magnum Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
600* IMR 4320 90 2250 6750 P.O. Ackley
*Ackley, op. cit.
475 A&M Magnum
Historical Notes This monster was developed by the Atkinson
& Marquart Rifle Co. of Prescott, Arizona, in 1958-59. It is based
on the 378 Weatherby case necked-up to 475-caliber. Bullets of
this diameter are made by Barnes. Only a few custom-made rifles
have been turned out in this caliber.
General Comments The 475 A&M Magnum can develop near¬
ly 10,000 fp of muzzle energy, which makes it one of the most
powerful sporting cartridges ever developed. However, it is not
available on a commercial basis and is neither widely used nor
known. Until the advent of the 470 Nitro Express, the 460
Weatherby held the title as the most powerful commercial car¬
tridge available. No doubt some wildcatter could develop a more
powerful round, particularly if it were based on the 50-caliber
Browning machinegun cartridge. However, there is really no
need for cartridges of this power for hunting anything on this
planet. Rifles in this class have little practical value for North
American hunting conditions. Recoil is around 90 fp, so six or
eight shots should provide a workout equal to going a couple of
rounds with the world’s heavyweight boxing champ. What fun!
475 A&M Magnum Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
400 SP
IMR 3031
120
3227
9250
Ackley
500 SP
IMR 3031
110
2980
9860
Ackley
600 SP
IMR 3031
105
2502
8340
Ackley
196 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
500 Linebaugh
Historical Notes The 500 Linebaugh is the design creation of
John Linebaugh, of Maryville, MO. John started out by convert¬
ing a 45 Colt revolver from 6-shot to 5-shot, thus offering more
strength in the cylinder. It was a successful venture, but John
continued to search for a more powerful handgun. The result is
the 500 Linebaugh. The 500 Linebaugh is based on the 348 Win¬
chester cartridge which is cut down to IV 2 inches and inside
reamed to 500-caliber. John uses a large-frame Ruger Bisley
revolver as he has found the Ruger frame is the only one that can
withstand the severe recoil of this cartridge. He replaces the
Ruger barrel with one of 50-caliber, usually 5 V 2 inches long. How¬
ever, he will cut a barrel of any length that the customer desires.
The 500 proved to be a very successful round pushing 500-grain
bullets at over 1200 fps. Accuracy is outstanding, but recoil can
only be described as severe. Not long after John designed this car¬
tridge, the supply of 348 Winchester brass began to dry up which
is why John designed the 475 Linebaugh based on the readily
available 45-70 Government case. Not long after the 475 was
designed, Browning reintroduced their Model 1871 rifle in 348
Winchester, and those cases are again readily available.
General Comments There are more powerful pistol cartridges,
but for single shot handguns such as the Thompson Contender.
When it comes to the revolver, this is close to the ultimate in pow¬
er. Due to its accuracy and easy handling, this cartridge could
prove to be an excellent heavy game handgun cartridge and pos¬
sibly the revolver cartridge suitable for taking African game. Spe¬
cialized bullets are made by Golden Bear of San Jose, CA. The
jackets for these bullets are turned on a screw machine and a lead
core is swaged in. I found these bullets to be excellent performers
both in terms of accuracy and penetration. The 500 Linebaugh
should find a strong following in the wilds of Alaska or the plains
of Africa, where it could be used as a primary hunting gun or a
backup.
500 Linebaugh Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
400 Cast
H-110
27.0
1200
1280
John Linebaugh
410 SP
H-110
29.0
1250
1425
John Linebaugh
410 SP
H-110
31.0
1320
1590
John Linebaugh
500 SP
1200
1599
John Linebaugh
510 Nitro Express
Historical Notes The 510 Nitro Express is the brainchild of Bob
Schneidmiller and custom gun maker D’arcy Echols. Bob grew up
in the West and from early childhood developed a passion for buf¬
falo hunting. He read virtually everything he could get his hands
on and dreamed of owning a 50 Sharps. As Bob grew up, the boy¬
hood dreams remained and his interests broadened to include the
Dark Continent of Africa. On Bob’s first trip to Africa, he carried
a 50-90 Sharps, with which he took a Cape buffalo, but the per¬
formance of the 50-90 left much to be desired. After his return,
Bob met D’arcy Echols and thoughts of building a bigger, more
powerful rifle were discussed. Bob had hoped to build a 500 Nitro,
but the brass supply for that particular cartridge was drying up
fast. He had a good supply of Sharps 50-140 3 V 4 -inch brass, but
D’arcy was not keen about building a custom rifle for an obsolete
cartridge. They compromised. They used the same basic case
design as the 50-140-3V 4 Sharps with modem bullets and pow¬
ders to achieve or better 500 Nitro Express ballistics. Bob sug¬
gested they call the new cartridge the 510 Echols Express, how¬
ever, D’arcy did not favor the idea. They finally settled on the 510
Nitro Express. The rifle was built on a Martin Hagn falling block
action and proved to be superbly accurate. Originally the rifle was
built without a muzzlebrake. However, recoil was so heavy that
the forearm was tom off with the first shot. The barrel was then
so equipped and Bob claims it is now a pussycat.
General Comments The 510 Nitro Express is a superb car¬
tridge for anyone desiring a single shot rifle for dangerous game.
This cartridge and rifle combination can offer plenty of power
without having to go to the expense of a double rifle. Though
many hunters shy away from the thought of a single shot rifle for
dangerous game, there is still a strong following for the single
shot. For those not wishing to spend the time and money for a
custom rifle, the Ruger No. 1 action would probably be an excel¬
lent choice for this cartridge.
510 Nitro Express Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
500 SP/FMJ
IMR 4895
90.0
2337
6062
Bob Schniedmiller
550 SP
IMR 4895
88.0
2172
5762
Bob Schniedmiller
600 SP
IMR 4831
102.0
2053
5614
Bob Schniedmiller
700 SP
IMR 4350
85.0
1942
5860
Bob Schniedmiller
8th Edition 197
Chapter 4
585 Nyati
Historical Notes With available muzzle energy exceeding 10,000
fpe, the 585 Nyati deserves mention as very likely the world’s most
powerful shoulder gun cartridge. The 50 Browning Machine Gun
cartridge is used for sporting purposes and it generates vastly more
power than the 585, launching bullets of the same weight 300 to
400 fps faster. However the 50 BMG is not by any stretch of the
imagination, a shoulder firearm cartridge. The 585 is.
This cartridge was created by Ross Seyfried by modifying 577
Nitro cases. Besides case forming, the rim has to be turned down to
fit the bolt face. Either standard belted-magnum or 416 Rigby rim
size is used as the bolt requires. Length allows chambering in mag¬
num Mauser cactions with minimal modifications. Modified maga¬
zine capacity is three cartridges. Seyfried reports very satisfactory
accuracy, no doubt a result of careful chambering and quality work¬
manship throughout the rifle and load. Nyati (n-ya-te) mean Cape
buffalo in several African languages and this is certainly a good
name for a cartridge delivering so much bullet and energy.
General Comments The 585 gives those who really want
power a much more affordable option, compared to the big
British double rifles which can often demand tens of thou¬
sands of dollars. However, one must mention recoil. It is an
open question as to how many among us can tolerate the kind
of recoil this cartridge will generate with full power loads. In a
10-pound rifle with a good muzzlebrake, top loads will gener¬
ate over 150 foot pounds of recoil energy. Compare this to a
30-06, generating a mere 20 foot pounds. Perhaps a better
understanding of what this means is this: Imagine having this
10-pound rifle dropped off a 32-foot cliff and catching it with
your shoulder. The originator suggests maximum loads defeat
the design purpose. He recommmends loads in the 2200 fps
range. Sound advice.
Bullets for the 585 are available from Barnes, Woodleigh and
numerous custom manufacturers. This caliber also performs
superbly with pure lead cast bullets.
585 Nyati Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Recoil
650 Barnes TC Solid
4350
160.0
2402
8330
112
750 Barnes
IMR 4350
130.0
1925
6175
92
750 Barnes
IMR 4350
140.0
2040
6935
104
750 Woodleigh
IMR 4350
140.0
2196
8035
118
750 Barnes Solid
IMR 4350
140.0
2210
8135
119
750 Barnes
IMR 4350
150.0
2287
8715
129
750 Barnes
IMR 4350
160.0
2487
10,300
152
750 Barnes
RL-15
120.0
2070
7140
102
750 Barnes
RL-15
130.0
2235
8320
119
750 Barnes
RL-15
140.0
2420
9755
139
750 Barnes
RL-15
Max
2525
10,620
151
545 Lead Patched
4198
72.0
1641
3255
34
650 Lead Patched
4198
73.0
1660
3975
48
* In 10-pound rifle with vented barrel.
198 Cartridges of the World
Wildcat Cartridges
WILDCAT CARTRIDGES
Rifle and Handgun
Dimensional Data
Cartridge
Case
type
Bullet
dia.
Neck
dia.
Shoulder
dia.
Base
dia.
Rim
dia.
Case
length
Ctge.
length
Twist
Primer
14-222
c
.144
.165
.356
.375
.375
1.70
1.92
10
S
17 Ackley Hornet
A
.172
.195
.290
.295
.345
1.39
1.47
10
S
17 Ackley Bee
A
.172
.201
.341
.350
.408
1.35
1.78
10
S
17 Mach IV
C
.172
.199
.361
.375
.378
1.40
—
10
S
17/222
C
.172
.199
.355
.375
.375
1.69
1.82
10-12
S
17-223
C
.172
.199
.354
.375
.378
1.76
—
10-12
S
MMJ-5.7mm
C
.224
.253
.332
.353
.356
1.29
1.65
14
L
222 Rimmed
A
.223
.249
.352
.374
.462
1.682
2.144
14
S
224 Kay-Chuk
A
.224
.243
.293
.294
.347
1.35
1.60
10-15
S
22 Kilboum Hornet
A
.224
.242
.286
.294
.345
1.39
1.70
14-16
s
R-2 Lovell
A
.224
.246
.295
.315
.382
1.63
1.80
16
s
22 Super Jet
A
.224
.248
.372
.379
.440
1.266
1.75
16
s
218 Mashbum Bee
A
.224
.241
.340
.349
.408
1.34
1.75
16
s
224 R-C Maxi
A
.224
.252
.354
.375
.431
1.576
2.048
14
s
22 Waldog
C
.224
.245
.431
.440
.441
1.375
1.820
14
s
219 Donaldson Wasp
A
.224
.251
.402
.418
.497
1.71
2.10
14
L
22 BR Remington
C
.224
.245
.450
.466
.468
1.502
2.00
14-16
S
22/30-30 Improved
A
.224
.253
.391
.422
.502
2.03
2.48
14
L
22-303
A
.224
.254
.4085
.455
?
2.031
2.48
14
L
220 Wotkyns-Wilson Arrow
G
.224
.261
.402
.443
.472
2.205
2.70
14
L
220 Weatherby Rocket
G
.224
.260
.430
.443
.472
2.21
2.68
14
L
22 CHeetah
C
.224
.250
.451
.466
.470
2.00
2.36
14
S
22-243
C
.224
.260
.454
.471
.473
2.045
v**
9-14
L
224 Clark
C
.225
.275
.455
.471
.473
2.237
3.075
9
L
22 Newton
C
.228
.256
.420
.471
.474
2.23
2.85
14-16
L
228 Ackley Mag.
C
.228
.265
.445
.470
.473
2.25
2.55
12
L
6mm-223
C
.243
.266
.354
.376
.378
1.76
2.26
10-12
S
6mm TCU
C
.243
.265
.354
.376
.378
1.74
2.25
12
S
6mm-47
C
.243
.267
.348
.372
.373
1.81
2.31
12
L
6mm-250 Walker
C
.243
.274
.420
.468
.470
1.91
2.21
12
L
6mm/30-30 Improved
A
.243
.275
.392
.422
.502
2.03
2.55
9-10
L
6mm-284
1
.243
.276
.475
.500
.473
2.165
2.80
9-10
L
25 Ugalde
C
.257
.275
.368
.373
.375
1.76
2.27
10
S
25 Krag
A
.257
.293
.415
.457
.540
2.24-2.31
V
10
L
25 Ackley Kraq
A
.257
.293
.442
.457
.540
2.31
—
10
L
25/303
A
.257
.294
.400
.455
.541
2.22
3.05
10
L
250/3000 Improved
C
.257
.284
.445
.467
.473
1.91
2.52
10
L
257 Improved
C
.257
.288
.457
.471
.474
2.23
2.78
10
L
25-284
1
.257
.285
.495
.500
.473
2.17
2.80
10
L
6.5 TCU
c
.264
.292
.368
.376
.378
1.749
2.60
9-10
S
6.5/06-256/06
c
.264
.300
.439
.471
.473
2.50
3.30
9-10
L
6.5-06 Improved
c
.264
.300
.455
.471
.473
2.50
3.30
9-10
L
270 REN
B
.277
.295
—
.298
.350
1.29
—
10
S
270 IHSMA
C
.277
.305
.448
.471
.473
1.866
2.60
10
L
270 Savage
C
.277
.308
.450
.470
.470
1.88
2.62
10
L
7mm TCU
C
.284
.302
.350
.373
.375
1.74
2.28
10
S
7mm Int-R
A
.284
.311
.402
.422
.502
2.04
2.52
10
L
7mm IHSMA
C
.284
.312
.448
.471
.473
1.866
2.60
9-10
L
285 OKH
C
.284
.315
.442
.470
.472
2.55
3.35
10
L
7 STE
A
.284
.315
.353
.467
?
2.1
2.54
10
L
30 Kurz
C
.308
.334
.443
.470
.473
1.29
1.65
12
L
30 Herrett
A
.308
.329
.405
.421
.505
1.61
2.01
14
L
308x1.5-Inch
C
.308
.338
.450
.466
.470
1.50
2.05
10-12
L
30-30 Ackley Improved
A
.308
.328
.405
.422
.502
2.04
2.54
12
L
30 IHSMA
C
.308
.339
.448
.471
.473
1.866
2.60
10-12
L
30-06 Improved
c
.308
.340
.454
.470
.473
2.49
3.35
10
L
30-338 Winchester Magnum
E
.308
.340
.491
.513
.532
2.50
—
10
L
30-378
E
.308
.330
.560
.603
.603
2.90
3.865
10
L
30 Cody
C
.308
.34
.544
.589
.586
2.875
3.67
10
L
8mm-06
C
.323
.351
.441
.470
.473
2.47
3.25
9-10
L
333 OKH
c
.333
.365
.443
.470
.473
2.49
3.37
10
L
334 OKH
E
.333
.367
.480
.513
.530
2.86
3.65
10
L
338-223 Straight
D
.338
.362
—
.376
.378
1.41
2.25
10
S
338-378 KT
E
.338
.362
.560
.603
.603
2.90
3.865
10
L
338/50 Talbot
C
.338
.380
.748
.774
.782
3.76
4.25
10
**
8th Edition 199
Chapter 4
WILDCAT CARTRIDGES (Continued)
Cartridge
Case
type
Bullet
dia.
Neck
dia.
Shoulder
dia.
Base
dia.
Rim
dia.
Case
length
Ctge.
length
Twist
Primer
9mm Action Express
J
.355
.390
.433
.435
.394
.866
1.152
18
S
9x25 Dillon
c
.355
.382
.423
.423
.424
0.99
1.26
10-12
SP
38-45 Hard Head
c
.355
.381
.475
.476
.476
.90
1.20
14
L
357 Auto Mag.
c
.357
.382
.461
.470
.473
1.298
1.60
18
LP
357/44 B&D
A
.357
.383
.454
.455
.515
1.28
1.55
14
L
357 Herrett
A
.358
.375
.405
.420
.505
1.75
2.10
14
L
35-30/30
A
.358
.378
.401
.422
.506
2.04
2.55
12-14
L
35 Ackley Magnum
E
.358
.388
.495
.513
.532
?
3.30
12
L
375 Whelen
C
.375
.403
.442
.470
.473
2.50
3.42
12
L
401 Powermag
B
.401
.425
—
.426
.483
1.29
1.64
18
L
400 Whelen
C
.405
.436
.462
.470
.473
2.49
3.10
16
L
416 Barnes
A
.416
.432
.484
.505
.608
2.112
2.95
14
L
445 Super Magnum
B
.432
.456
—
.457
.514
1.60
1.985
20
LP
451 Detonics
D
.452
.476
—
.476
.476
.942
1.17
16
L
458x1 V 2 " Barnes
F
.458
.481
—
.513
.532
V
—
14-16
L
458x2" American
F
.458
.478
—
.508
.532
2.00
2.60
14-16
L
45 Silhouette
B
.458
.477
—
.501
.600
1.51
1.97
18
L
450 Alaskan
A
.458
.480
.515
.547
.605
2.25
2.79
14
L
450 Howell
C
.458
.480
.515
.545
.534
2.5
3.25
14
L
450 Watts Magnum
E
.458
.481
—
.513
.530
2.85
3.65
14
L
475 Wildey
D
.475
.497
—
.500
.473
1.295
1.58
?
L
475 Linebaugh
B
.475
.495
—
.501
.600
1.50
?
?
L
475 Ackley/OKH
F
.474
.496
—
.508
.528
2.739
3.518
16-18
L
475 A&M Mag.
E
.475
.502
.560
.584
.533
2.90
3.75
14
L
500 Linebaugh
B
.510
.540
—
.553
.610
1.405
1.755
?
L
510 Nitro
B
.510
.535
—
.565
.665
3.245
4.185
?
L
585 Nyati
V
.585
.605
.650
.660
.586
2.79
3.525
?
L
A—Rim, bottleneck B—Rim, straight C—Rimless, necked D—Rimless, straight E—Belted, bottleneck F—Belted, straight G—Semi-
rimmed, bottleneck J—Rebated, straight I—Rebated, bottleneck
Primer: S—Small rifle (.175"). L—Large rifle (.210"). LP—Large pistol (.210"). **—CCI-35A/ihtauori-110. **—50 Caliber Machinegun.
SP—Small Pistol.
200 Cartridges of the World
Chapter 5
PROPRIETARY CARTRIDGES
(Rifle and Handgun)
PAST EDITIONS OF Cartridges of the World listed most
proprietary cartridges in Chapter 4: Wildcat and Propri¬
etary Cartridges because it was felt there simply were not
enough entries to justify a separate chapter. That is no
longer true. Therefore, we have created a separate chapter
for those cartridges which best fit the definition of “propri¬
etary.”
Proprietary cartridges are defined as those not gener¬
ally available over-the-counter in typical sporting goods
stores but which are proprietarily loaded and available
from a single source. This is not true of typical wildcats.
This significant distinction separates these from custom
wildcat cartridges. For legal and other reasons, chamber¬
ing specifications for many of these cartridges are propri¬
etary, that is, not set up by SAAMI or other gunmaker
groups. Further, proprietary cartridges are not generally
chambered in over-the-counter rifles.
Thus, both proprietary cartridges and the guns cham¬
bered for that ammunition are special. These developments
represent the culmination of efforts of serious gunsmiths to
provide guns and ammunition that are a cut above the ordi¬
nary. The guns all represent a level of hand fitting and pre¬
cision that is simply not feasible in run-of-the-mill guns. For
those willing to pay a premium price, these offer the option
of a factory firearm that is, in many cases, equal to the best
of the fully-custom numbers in both fit and function. The
cartridges used in these guns all represent an effort toward
ballistic perfection; some are more successful than others.
There is a history of proprietary chamberings that was
well developed in Great Britain beginning in the late
1800s and continuing until quite recently. Many of the
more or less well known cartridges associated with such
firms as Holland & Holland were strictly proprietary, by
our current definition. They were designed to fill some
specific need in the best possible way. An example would
be the belted 375 Holland & Holland Magnum, which was
designed to assure solid and controllable headspacing
while facilitating function in bolt-action magazine guns.
Considerations included functionality under extremely
hot conditions and in situations when either the rifle
chamber or ammunition might not be perfectly clean. The
belt provided solid headspacing, despite a comparatively
loose fit between the unfired cartridge and the rifle's
chamber. Caliber and capacity were also chosen with con¬
sideration of the uses for which the chambering was
intended—chiefly short- to medium-range shots on small¬
er species of dangerous African game.
Similarly, Sharps and many other stateside manufac¬
turers had followed the same route during the era of the
buffalo market hunter, developing accurate long-range
cartridges and rifles for that use as well as long-range tar¬
get competitions. Most of those cartridge developments
are long-since obsolete; others moved into the mainstream
and are still with us: the 44-100 Remington being an
example of the former; the 38-55 Ballard (38-55 Winches¬
ter) an example of the latter.
Many cartridges we now think of as standard were once
essentially proprietary. A good example is the 348 Win¬
chester. Here was a cartridge designed by Winchester and
commercially chambered in only one commercially avail¬
able rifle—Winchester's Model 71. For many years Win¬
chester was also the only source of 348 ammunition.
Similarly, the 444 Marlin was designed for use in only Mar¬
lin’s Model 444 and has never been commercially loaded by
anyone other than Remington. While these are SAAMI
standard chamberings, both are in some sense proprietary.
In fact, practically every factory chambering that did not
originate as a military cartridge was once proprietary.
Some of our standard cartridges, like the 35 Whelen,
began as wildcats and because of popular demand were
widely chambered but not commercially loaded. While
these fine cartridges might seem to fit the proprietary bill,
really they do not. Today the 35 Whelen and others are
commercially loaded and chambered as mainstream offer¬
ings. They are too widely known and chambered to be con¬
sidered in the same class as the cartridges in this chapter.
Most of the proprietary offerings detailed in this chap¬
ter followed a developmental path that is entirely similar
8th Edition 201
Chapter 5
to the aforementioned historical British proprietary car¬
tridges. Some custom gun manufacturer noted a void in
the offerings from mainline arms manufacturers and then
designed a cartridge to fill that void in the best way possi¬
ble. The result was cartridge performance equal to any
established cartridge of similar purpose while providing
superior chambering, accuracy and handloading charac¬
teristics. A number of these cartridges offer a superior
level of performance and do so without a belt. Most pro¬
prietary cartridges use the generally superior bottleneck
configuration, either rimmed, rimless or rebated. Howev¬
er, we must add that the original purpose of the belt is still
a valid consideration.
To dwell a bit longer on the subject of belted cartridges,
their common usage in mainstream commercial magnum
chamberings today reflects nothing more than the conse¬
quences of an historical incident: Western Cartridge Com¬
pany’s U.S. introduction of the 300 H&H Magnum as a
U.S. factory offering in 1925. This event marked our fore¬
bears’ first experience with a readily available large-diam¬
eter high-pressure cartridge case. It was natural for
wildcatters to turn to this casing in their attempts to
improve performance of existing rifles.
Folklore grew that the belt strengthened the case. This
was simply untrue. It was nothing more than a design mod¬
ification intended to facilitate solid headspacing with other¬
wise tolerant (loose) chambering specifications. In reality,
the belt is nothing more than a wide rim with a groove cut in
it. Calling this design feature a belt might make the car¬
tridge sound sexy but that does not change what the belt is
or what it does. In modem practice the belt has come to cre¬
ate several problems, especially for the handloader. Also,
beltless cases generally feed better from box magazine rifles.
Availability of404 Jeffery cases (a rimless case with a rim
about the same diameter as the standard belted cases and
much larger body diameter) has opened an entire genre of
options for custom rifle manufacturers. Those companies
can offer rifles chambered to take advantage of existing non-
belted cases, which provide superior ballistic potential. How¬
ever, there is nothing magic about any proprietary cartridge.
What makes these cartridges and guns special lies in the
details: Semi-custom or fully custom chambering in guns
featuring “handmade quality,” which run-of-the-mill guns
cannot match; better loading into and feeding from a box
magazine; fulfillment of some esoteric or exceptional need.
SSK Industries, for example, is filling a void in the
long-range and hunting handgun market by perfecting
wildcat chamberings for that esoteric application. Here,
the designers look to the same concepts: Find a void, find
the best cartridge design to fill that void and build guns to
handle that combination in the best possible manner.
A-Square has gone one step further. They are now
manufacturing an entirely new cartridge size. This larger
based case provides a significant increase in usable capac¬
ity and, therefore, offers the potential of superior ballis¬
tics—no different from what Jeffery did when they
introduced the 600 Nitro Express in 1903.
Finally, note that practically all of these cartridges incor¬
porate what is now recognized as the standard Ackley case
configuration. The basic concept combines a limited amount
of case body taper combined with a relatively sharp shoul¬
der. The exact degree of body taper, shoulder angle and the
relationship of length to body diameter are of limited impor¬
tance. Conversely, a case neck of sufficient length to prop¬
erly hold the bullet is of recognized value. A perusal of the
photographs in this section will suggest the general simi¬
larity of most of these designs.
We expect this section to grow in the next edition; it is a
lively field. What you will see here represents a substantial
portion of this class of cartridges, as it exists today.
202 Cartridges of the World
t
Proprietary Cartridges
Historical Notes Designed by J.D. Jones in 1979, this cartridge
is the 225 Winchester imroved. It provides a reduction in cham¬
ber pressure, which improves Contender functioning. Factory 225
Winchester ammunition sometimes gave extraction difficulties in
Contender barrels. This design solved that problem while allow¬
ing the handloader to achieve 225 Winchester Thompson/Center
performance without extraction difficulties. Factory 225 Win¬
chester ammunition can be used.
General Comments As is typical of the JDJ line, this chambering
offers MOA accuracy potential with proper handloads. New bar¬
rels feature a 1-9" twist for use with heavier bullets, which are gain¬
ing popularity in the 22-caliber bore. Typical loads with the 40-grain
bullet easily exceed 3600 fps from a 16-inch barrel. The Barnes 45-
grain XBT is an effective choice for peccary size game species. How¬
ever, use of this bullet requires special handloading techniques
(deeper bullet seating and a reduction in powder charge).
226 JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
50 Hornady
IMR-3031
32.0
2864
905
SSK/SSK barrels only, max. load
55
1 MR-4064
33.0
2808
960
SSK/SSK barrels only, max. load
55 Hornady SX
BL-C(2)
32.0
2637
849
SSK/SSK barrels only, max. load
60 Hornady SP
H-414
35.0
2732
995
SSK/SSK barrels only, max. load
63 Sierra
H-4831
38.5
2831
1115
SSK/SSK barrels only, max. load
6mm JDJ
Historical Notes This cartridge was designed and developed by
noted gun writer and experimenter J.D. Jones, hence the “JDJ”
designation. J.D. began development of his series of cartridges
around 1978, and they are generally fired in barrels furnished by
his company, SSK Industries. The purpose of this cartridge is to
give added range and power to the Thompson/Center Contender
pistol for the primary purpose of hunting varmints and small
game. Some of J.D.’s cartridges have proved to be excellent metal¬
lic silhouette numbers, as well. The JDJ series cases are easy to
make. All of the JDJ cartridges are proprietary and SSK neither
sells reamers nor permits the reamer maker to duplicate any of
the reamers. Should you desire to chamber a JDJ cartridge, con¬
tact SSK Industries, 421 Woodvue Lane, Wintersville, OH 43952.
General Comments Based on the 225 Winchester case (itself a
modified 30-30 case) this improved chambering provides ample
capacity to deliver maximum 6mm velocity from handgun-length
barrels (14-16 inches). Best applications are in handgun varmint-
ing and hunting of the smallest big game species. With the prop¬
er 70-75 grain bullet this chambering can deliver 300-yard
varmint accuracy and trajectory. Heavier bullets can deliver ade¬
quate energy for smaller big game to, perhaps, 100 yards. The
Barnes 75-grain and 85-grain X bullets offer serious hunting per¬
formance. However, the use of these bullets requires special
handloading techniques (deeper bullet seating and a reduction in
powder charge).
6 JDJ #2 Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
70 HP
RL-7 29
2845
1260
SSK
70 HP
AAC 2700 35
2540
1000
SSK
80 HP
RL-19 37
2370
1000
SSK
Note: These loads for use only in SSK barrels
8th Edition 203
Chapter 5
257 JDJ
Historical Notes This is another cartridge designed and developed
by J.D. Jones, hence the JDJ designation. J.D. began development of
his cartridges around 1978 and they are generally fired in barrels fur¬
nished by his company SSK Industries. The purpose of these car¬
tridges is to give added range and power to the Thompson/Center
Contender pistoL Some of J.D.’s cartridges have also proved to be excel¬
lent metallic silhouette numbers. The JDJ cartridges are relatively
easy to make. All of the JDJ cartridges are proprietary and SSK nei¬
ther sells reamers nor has permitted the reamer maker to duplicate
any of the reamers for the series. Should you desire a JDJ cartridge,
contact SSK Industries, 421 Woodvue Lane, Wintersville, OH 43952.
General Comments Based on the 225 Winchester case (itself a
modified 30-30 case) this improved chambering provides ample
capacity to deliver near maximum quarter-bore velocity from hand¬
gun-length barrels (14-16 inches). Best applications are in handgun
varminting and hunting of smaller big game species. A preferred
bullet for the latter apphcation is Nosleris 85-grain Ballistic Tip.
This cartridge can launch this bullet to about 2900 fps with top
loads with a 14-inch barrel. This combination is said to provide good
terminal performance to 300 yards. One can use heavier bullets to
deliver more energy. However, reduced velocity limits expansion
and trajectory errors increase. Therefore, hunters should limit use of
such bullets to shorter ranges. The 75-90 grain Barnes X bullets
offer potential advantages for hunting applications. However, the
use of these bullets requires special handloading techniques (deeper
bullet seating and a reduction in powder charge).
257 JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
75 HP
H-322
30
2310
890
SSK
75 HP
W748
37
2645
1165
SSK
100 SP
W748
34
1405
1285
SSK
117 SP
IMR 4350
35
2195
1250
SSK
6.5mm Whisper
Historical Notes Designed by JDJ in the early 1990s. The
design intent was apphcation in sound-suppressed M-15s, bolt-
action rifles and T/C Contenders. As with most of JDJ’s line, this
cartridge was designed at SSK Industries. This cartridge is based
upon the 221 Remington case.
General Comments When combined with a very quick rifling
twist this chambering will deliver 155-grain very low drag (VLD)
bullets from SSK Contender barrels with V 2 MOA accuracy at
subsonic velocities (1040 fps). Lighter bullets can achieve a more
typical muzzle velocity but such applications sacrifice the design
purpose of this chambering.
6.5mm Whisper Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
100 Homady
120 Nosier BT
155
155
155
155 A#9
MV ME
19.0 2300 1170
19.0 2150 1230
8.3 970 320
8.3 1051 375
8.4 1050 375
8.4 1074 395
Source/Comments
SSK barrels only, max., 10" bbl.
SSK barrels only, max., 10" bbl.
SSK/M-16 (gas port open)
SSK/M-16 (gas port blocked)
SSK/M-16 (gas port open)
SSK/M-16 (gas port blocked)
Powder/grs.
H-110
A-1680
H-110
H-110
A#9
6.5mm JDJ
Historical Notes Designed by J.D. Jones at SSK Industries,
this is the 225 Winchester case improved and necked up to 6mm.
The purpose was to provide a Contender hunting cartridge for
smaller big game species.
General Comments Excellent bullets are available and with
proper loads and in the hands of a good shot, this chambering is
capable of 300-yard shots on smaller big game species. JDJ con¬
siders this to be one of the premier small-bore hunting choices.
The Barnes 100-grain X offers superior terminal performance for
hunting applications. However, the use of this bullet requires spe¬
cial handloading techniques (deeper bullet seating and a reduc¬
tion in powder charge).
6.5mm JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
85 Sierra
1 MR-4320
35.0
2644
1315
SSK/SSK barrel only, max., 14" bbl.
100 Sierra HP
H-322
35.0
2714
1635
SSK/SSK barrel only, max., 14" bbl.
120 Speer
1 MR-4350
38.5
2467
1620
SSK/SSK barrel only, max., 14" bbl.
125 Nosier Part
1 MR-4320
33.0
2410
1610
SSK/SSK barrel only, max., 14" bbl.
129 Hornady
1 MR-4320
32.0
2342
1570
SSK/SSK barrel only, max., 14" bbl.
140 Speer
1 MR-4350
34.0
2097
1365
SSK/SSK barrel only, max., 14" bbl.
204 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
6.5mm JDJx30
I
Historical Notes This JDJ cartridge is the 7-30 Waters necked
down to 6.5mm and improved. The purpose: To meet customer
demand for improved performance with readily obtained cases.
Since the 7-30 is based on the 30-30 Winchester, one can easily
use those abundant cases to form this round. Other than the rim
and a slight increase in length, this is essentially similar to the
6.5mm JDJ.
General Comments Excellent bullets are available and with
proper loads and in the hands of a good shot, this chambering is
capable of300-yard shots on the smaller species. JDJ considers this
to be one of the premier small-bore hunting choices. The Barnes
100-grain X offers superior terminal performance for hunting appli¬
cations. However, the use of this bullet requires special handloading
techniques (deeper bullet seating and a reduction in powder charge).
6.5mm JDJ x30 Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
85 Sierra
W-760
42.0
2710
1385
SSK/SSK barrel only, max., 14" bbl.
120 Speer
W-760
40.0
2477
1635
SSK/SSK barrel only, max., 14" bbl.
120 Nosier BT
1 MR-4064
37.5
2580
1770
SSK/SSK barrel only, max., 14" bbl.
129 Homady
1 MR-4350
40.7
2481
1760
SSK/SSK barrel only, max., 14" bbl.
140 Sierra
1 MR-4350
40.7
2376
1755
SSK/SSK barrel only, max., 14" bbl.
SSK Industries makes barrels for the Con¬
tender in 6.5mm JDJx30, as well as many
other highly effective big game calibers.
6.5mm JDJ #2
Historical Notes This JDJ cartridge is the 307 Winchester
necked down to 6.5mm and improved. The purpose: Provision of a
6.5mm chambering based upon the 307 Winchester case.
General Comments Excellent bullets are available and with
proper loads and in the hands of a good shot, this chambering is
capable for 300-yard shots on the smaller species. In handgun-
length barrels, ballistics are not significantly superior to the
smaller 6.5mm JDJ cartridges to justify this chambering 5 s exis¬
tence. The Barnes 100-grain X offers superior terminal perfor¬
mance for hunting applications. However, the use of this bullet
requires special handloading techniques (deeper bullet seating
and a reduction in powder charge).
6.5mm JDJ #2 Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
120
1 MR-4350
43.0
—
—
SSK/SSK barrel only, max. load
129
1 MR-4350
42.0
—
—
SSK/SSK barrel only, max. load
140
1 MR-4350
41.0
—
—
SSK/SSK barrel only, max. load
8th Edition 205
Chapter 5
270 JDJ
Historical Notes This is another cartridge designed and devel¬
oped by J.D. Jones around 1978. It is generally fired in barrels
furnished by his company SSK Industries. The purpose of these
cartridges is to give added range and power to the Thompson/
Center Contender pistol for hunting medium game. All of the JDJ
cartridges are proprietary and SSK neither sells reamers nor has
permitted the reamer maker to duplicate any of the reamers for
the series. Should you desire a JDJ cartridge, contact SSK Indus¬
tries, 421 Woodvue Lane, Wintersville, OH 43952.
General Comments Based on the 225 Winchester case (itself
a modified 30-30 case) this improved chambering provides
ample capacity to deliver impressive velocity from handgun-
length barrels, now commonly 14-16 inches. Best applications
are in handgun varminting and hunting of smaller big game
species, through mule deer size. For varminting, best perfor¬
mance is probably achieved with bullets of 100 grains. Either
Homady’s or Sierra’s 110-grain bullets would be good choices
for pronghorn hunting. For hunting deer and similar sized
game the best bullet weight is 130 grains. Heavier bullets can
deliver more energy but expansion is unreliable. This chamber¬
ing has seen considerable use in various types of handgun com¬
petition. This is ample testimony to the potential accuracy of
this chambering and the quality of gunsmithing involved in
such alterations. The Barnes 100-grain X offers superior termi¬
nal performance for hunting applications. However, the use of
this bullet requires special handloading techniques (deeper bul¬
let seating and a reduction in powder charge).
270 JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100 SP
RL-7
34.0
2795
1735
SSK
110SP
IMR 4320
36.0
2520
1555
SSK
130 SP
RL-7
30.7
2370
1625
SSK
130 SP
IMR 3031
35.0
2470
1765
SSK
7mm JDJ
Historical Notes This is another cartridge designed and devel¬
oped by J.D. Jones. Its purpose is to give added range and power
to the Thompson/Center Contender pistol for the primary pur¬
pose of hunting medium game. This cartridge has also proved to
be excellent choice for metallic silhouette competition. All JDJ
cartridges are relatively easy to make. They are proprietary and
SSK neither sells reamers nor has permitted the reamer maker
to duplicate any of the reamers for the series. Should you desire a
JDJ cartridge, contact SSK Industries, 421 Woodvue Lane, Win¬
tersville, OH 43952.
General Comments Based on the 225 Winchester case (itself a
modified 30-30 case) this improved chambering provides ample
capacity to deliver impressive velocity, especially with longer hand¬
gun-length barrels (14-16 inches). Best applications are in hand¬
gun hunting of smaller big game species, through mule deer size.
Best hunting performance is probably achieved with bullets of 120-
140 grains. Experts have tallied many kills at ranges exceeding 200
yards. Heavier bullets can deliver more energy but expansion is not
reliable. Heavier bullets have proven effective in the handgun sil¬
houette game. Bullets of about 150 grains are noted for effective¬
ness in toppling the silhouette ram target. This chambering has
seen considerable use in various types of handgun competition.
This is ample testimony to the potential accuracy of this chamber¬
ing and the quality of gunsmithing involved in such alterations.
The Barnes 100-grain and 120-grain X bullets offer superior termi¬
nal performance for hunting applications. However, the use of
these bullets requires special handloading techniques (deeper bul¬
let seating and a reduction in powder charge).
7mm JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
120 SP
H-4895 34.0
2480
1640
SSK
139-140 SP
IMR 4320 34.0
2145
1420
SSK
150-154 SP
IMR 4320 34.0
2110
1520
SSK
206 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
7mm Whisper
Historical Notes Designed by J.D. Jones in the early 1990s.
The design intent was application in sound-suppressed M-15s,
bolt-action rifles and T/C Contenders. As with most of the JDJ
line, this cartridge was designed at SSK Industries. The 7mm
Whisper is based upon the 221 Remington case.
General Comments When combined with a very quick rifling
twist, this chambering will deliver heavy 7mm bullets from SSK
Contender barrels with V 2 MOA accuracy at subsonic velocities
(1040 fps). Lighter bullets can achieve more typical velocity but
sacrifice the design purpose of this chambering.
7mm Whisper
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
120
A-1680
20.0
2250
1345
SSK/Max. load, 16V 2 " barrel
140 Nosier BT
A-1680
18.5
2060
1315
SSK/Max. load, 16V 2 " barrel
168
A-1680
9.5
1056
415
SSK/Subsonic
168
N-540
12.6
1064
420
SSK/Subsonic
168
A-1680
15.5
1790
1195
SSK/Max. load, 16V 2 " barrel
7mm-30 JDJ
Historical Notes This JDJ cartridge is the 7-30 Waters
improved. The purpose is to meet customer demand for improved
performance with readily obtained cases. Since the 7-30 is based
on the 30-30 Winchester, one can easily use those abundant cas¬
es to form this round. Other than the rim and a slight increase in
length, this chambering is essentially similar to the 7mm JDJ.
General Comments Excellent bullets are available. With prop¬
er loads and in the hands of a marksman, this chambering is
capable for 300-yard shots on the smaller species. Significantly, it
delivers substantially more energy than the 6.5mm JDJ offer¬
ings. Despite a shorter barrel, this improved cartridge will drive a
140-grain bullet at about the same velocity as the 7-30 Waters
will drive the 120-grain bullet. The Barnes 100-grain and 120-
grain X bullets offer superior terminal performance for hunting
applications. However, use of these X bullets requires special
handloading techniques (deeper bullet seating and a reduction in
powder charge).
7mm JDJ #2
Historical Notes This JDJ cartridge is the 307 Winchester
necked down to 7mm and improved. The purpose was to provide
a 7mm chambering based upon the 307 Winchester case.
General Comments Excellent bullets are available for this car¬
tridge. With proper loads and in the hands of a good shot, this
chambering is capable of 300-yard shots on the smaller big game
species. In handgun-length barrels, ballistics are not significant¬
ly superior to the smaller 7mm JDJ offerings to justify this cham-
bering’s existence. The Barnes 100-grain and 120-grain X bullets
offer superior terminal performance for hunting applications.
However, use of the X bullets requires special handloading tech¬
niques (deeper bullet seating and a reduction in powder charge).
7mm JDJ #2 Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
100 Homady
W-760
47.0
2532
1420
SSK, max., 14"bbl.
115 Speer
W-760
46.0
2453
1535
SSK, max., 14"bbl.
139 Homady
H-4350
45.0
2369
1730
SSK, max., 14"bbl.
140 Nosier SB
H-414
43.0
2257
1580
SSK, max., 14"bbl.
140 Nosier SB
W-760
44.0
2303
1645
SSK, max., 14"bbl.
8th Edition 207
Chapter 5
7mm JRS
Historical Notes The 7mm JRS was designed by Jon R. Sun-
dr a. It is based on the 280/7mm Express Remington case, but is
more than an Improved 280 in that it cannot be made by fire-
forming 280 Remington ammo in a 7mm JRS chamber. Attempt¬
ing to do so is dangerous because the 7mm JRS pushes a
35-degree shoulder more than .050-inch forward of where it
would be on the 280 Improved. Therefore, headspace is increased
commensurately.
To give some idea of relative case capacities, the 280 Reming-
ton/7mm Express holds about 63 grains of water to the base of
the neck; the 280 RCBS holds about 66 grains; the 7mm JRS
about 70.5 grains (Norma brass). The 7mm Remington Magnum
holds about 82 grains.
General Comments Chamber reamers for the 7mm JRS are
made by Clymer Mfg. of Rochester, MI, reloading dies by Hor-
nady. Sundra found that very little load development work was
necessary with this cartridge. Norma MRP and Reloder 22 are
the best powders, with H-4831 and IMR 4831 and IMR 7828
coming in a close second. Other slow burners like IMR 4831 and
H-450 also do well. Depending on individual rifle and brass
(Remington, Norma or Winchester), maximum loads range
between 60.5 to 63.5 grains of RL22 with a 150-grain Nosier.
Velocity has ranged from 3060 to 3120 fps in various barrels of
23.5 to 24 inches.
The 7mm JRS is chambered by E.R. Shaw of Bridgeville, PA.
Standard length actions like the Ruger 77 and Mauser (com¬
mercial or military) can be used. To take full advantage of case
capacity, the loads assume bullet bases seated no deeper than
the shoulder (overall length of 3 7 /i6-inch with a 154-grain Hor-
nady, 3 3 /s-inch with a 150 Nosier). Sundra recommends cham¬
bers be throated so a dummy round with either of the above
bullets will have a l /\e leade. To accommodate cartridges of this
length, you’ll need a Model 70, Remington 700 or long Sako
action. Grayback Wildcats of Klamath Falls, OR offers fire-
formed (once fired) brass for the 7mm JRS. Similar “pushed
shoulder ’06-based” improved cartridges exist in 30, 338, 35 and
375 calibers. All are very good, but those in otherwise factory
chamberings (280, 30-06 and now the 35 Whelen) create serious
safety concerns. Any rifle thus chambered will chamber the fac¬
tory cartridge of the proper bore diameter which will have
enough headspace to separate and destroy the gun, perhaps,
even the shooter and bystanders.
7mm JRS Load Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
145 SP RL22 63.0 3130 3155 Jon Sundra
154 SP RL22 61.5 3020 3120 Jon Sundra
7mm Dakota
Historical Notes The 7mm Dakota is based on the 404 Jeffrey
case. This case is long enough to create standard- or magnum-
length cartridges. In any given cartridge length, use of the non-
belted 404 Jeffrey case offers about 15 percent more case
capacity, compared to the standard belted-magnum. Because
maximum case diameter is slightly larger than the standard belt¬
ed-magnum, rechambering to 7mm Dakota often reduces maga¬
zine capacity by one cartridge.
General Comments This cartridge functions properly through
standard-length (3.35") actions. Guns chambered for the 7mm
Remington Magnum are easily converted to 7mm Dakota with
only rechambering and slight bolt face alterations. This cham¬
bering offers capacity similar to the much longer 7mm STW
(3.65"). If loaded to similar pressures with appropriate powders,
the 7mm Dakota offers a useful velocity advantage over the 7mm
Remington Magnum. With the heaviest bullets, this advantage
might be significant. For those interested in getting all the per¬
formance possible from the 7mm bore, the 7mm Dakota is worth
considering. The 7mm STW has a slight capacity advantage but
the ballistic difference is marginal and the STW does require a
longer action. Finally, because this cartridge headspaces between
the shoulder and the bolt, it is easier to get it to fine up properly
in the rifle’s chamber. This can lead to superior accuracy. It is
worth noting that there are no disadvantages to the basic rimless
bottleneck design.
7mm Dakota Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
140
1 MR-4831
73.0
3355
3495
Dakota/Maximum load
140
H-4831
76.0
3295
3375
Dakota/Maximum load
140
RL-22
77.0
3365
3515
Dakota/Maximum load
140
1 MR-7828
80.0
3421
3645
Dakota/Maximum load
160
1 MR-4831
68.0
3064
3335
Dakota/Maximum load
160
H-4831
74.0
3156
3535
Dakota/Maximum load
160
RL-22
74.5
3212
3660
Dakota/Maximum load
160
1 MR-7828
75.0
3171
3570
Dakota/Maximum load
208 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
7mm Shooting Times
Westerner (7mm STW)
Historical Notes This wildcat chambering was designed in
1989 by Layne Simpson, a gun writer for Shooting Times maga¬
zine. This design includes a slight decrease in body taper, com¬
pared to the original 8mm Remington Magnum case. This
provides clean rechambering of 7mm Remington Magnum cham¬
bers. Throat design was also changed to include a straight sec¬
tion. This improves accuracy potential. This cartridge takes
advantage of the 3.65-inch magazine length of the long-action
Remington Model 700.
General Comments The 7mm STW has impressive velocity
potential and can deliver good ballistics with a variety of bullets
and powders. Currently there is a paucity of data available but A-
Square provides ammunition and data for a few of the more pop¬
ular bullet weights and types. It is likely that the slowest
handloader powders would show improved performance in this
chambering. We can only speculate that barrel life would be very
limited, especially for those who are incautious about barrel cool¬
ing between shots or proper cleaning.
7mm Shooting Times Westerner Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
140 Nosier BT
H-4831
75.0
3234
3250
A-Square/Max.
140 Nosier SP
RL-22
79.0
3410
3615
A-Square/Max.
140 Nosier BT
1 MR-7828
83.0
3413
3620
A-Square/Max.
160 Nosier Part.
RL-22
72.0
3084
3380
A-Square/Max.
160 Nosier Part.
H-4831
75.0
3200
3635
A-Square/Max.
160 Nosier Part.
1 MR-7828
77.0
3211
3660
A-Square/Max.
160 Sierra SBT
IMR-7828
75.0
3093
3400
A-Square/Max.
160 Sierra SBT
RL-22
75.5
3115
3445
A-Square/Max.
160 Sierra SBT
H-4831
75.0
3138
3500
A-Square/Max.
140 Nosier SBT
FL
3450
3700
A-Square/Max.
160 Sierra SBT
FL
3250
3750
A-Square/Max.
160 Nosier SBT
FL
3250
3750
A-Square/Max.
7mm Canadian Magnum
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed about 1989 by
North American Shooting Systems (NASS) and is similar to the
7mm Imperial Magnum. This design features a slightly rebated
rimless bottleneck case. The design intent was to provide the
maximum powder capacity available in a standard action with
minimal gunsmithing. (Without deepening the magazine well
slightly, magazine capacity is usually reduced by one round.) Bolt
face alteration is not necessary. Cartridge feeding and headspac¬
ing characteristics are improved.
General Comments The Canadian Magnum series is similar
to the Dakota cartridge family both in design and purpose. How¬
ever, Canadian Magnums all take advantage of the entire 3.65"
magazine length of the long-action Remington M700 and similar
rifles. On these cartridges, body diameter is significantly larger
than the standard belted-magnum (0.544" versus 0.513" at the
base). Rechambering of nominal belted-magnums with the same
bore diameter is generally quite simple, requiring no other rifle
alterations. For any given case length, capacity is fully 15 percent
greater than can be achieved with the belted version. Body taper
is minimal and the shoulder is comparatively sharp. However,
neck length is sufficiently generous to provide good bullet pur¬
chase for hunting ammunition. Performance is commensurate
with the generous capacity and pressures used in these loadings.
We must note that one should expect this chambering to be
rather hard on barrels.
7mm Canadia Magnum Loading Data
ullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
140
H-4831
82.0
3426
3645
NASS/Maximum load
140
RL-22
85.0
3523
3855
NASS/Maximum load
140
IMR-7828
86.5
3480
3760
NASS/Maximum load
160
RL-22
82.0
3264
3780
NASS/Maximum load
160
IMR-7828
83.5
3257
3765
NASS/Maximum load
160
H-1000
87.0
3288
3835
NASS/Maximum load
175
IMR-7828
79.0
3018
3540
NASS/Maximum load
175
H-1000
83.0
3098
3725
NASS/Maximum load
175
H-870
93.0
3109
3750
NASS/Maximum load
140
FL
3525
3860
NASS
8th Edition 209
Chapter 5
7.62 Micro-Whisper
Historical Notes Designed by J.D. Jones at SSK Industries in the
early 1990s, this is simply the 30 Luger case adapted to use 30-caliber
rifle bullets. Case dimensions are identical but chambering specifica¬
tions are different. The design intent was for an extremely quiet sound-
suppressed load that would shoot 180-grain bullets to about 1040 fps.
General Comments This cartridge provides much better sub¬
sonic performance, compared to the 308 Winchester. Civilian
applications are limited. Nevertheless, performance is startling.
For those looking for minimal recoil and noise for short-range use,
this is an interesting choice.
7.62 Micro-Whisper Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
93 Norma SP
M9
11.5
1762
640
SSK/Max. load, 83 U" barrel
150 Homady FMJ
H-110
7.0
1018
345
SSK/Subsonic, 8 3 / 4 " barrel
150 Homady FMJ
M9
8.0
1259
525
SSK/Max. load, 8 3 / 4 " barrel
168 Homady Match
A#9
7.1
1096
445
SSK/Subsonic, 8 3 / 4 " barrel
180 Speer
H-110
7.0
1025
420
SSK/Subsonic, 8 3 / 4 " barrel
180 Speer
H-110
8.0
1161
535
SSK/Max. load, 8 3 / 4 " barrel
7.63 Mini-Whisper
Historical Notes Designed by J.D. Jones at SSK Industries in the
early 1990s, this is simply the 30 Mauser case adapted to use 30-caliber
rifle bullets. Case dimensions are indentical but chambering specifica¬
tions are different. The design intent was for an extremely quiet sound-
suppressed load that would shoot 200-grain bullets to about 1040 fps.
General Comments This cartridge provides much better sub¬
sonic performance, compared to the 308 Winchester. Civilian
applications are limited. Nevertheless, performance is startling.
For those looking for minimal recoil and noise for short-range use,
this is an interesting choice.
7.63 Mini-Whisper Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
93 Norma
Clays
7.5
1727
615
SSK/Max. load, 7" barrel
110 Speer Carb
Clays
7.5
1588
615
SSK/Max. load, 7" barrel (1.415" OAL)
110 Speer Carb
A#7
11.4
1742
740
SSK/Max. load, 7" barrel (1.415" OAL)
150 Homady FMJ
M2
4.5
1025
350
SSK/Subsonic, 7" barrel
150 Homady FMJ
M9
10.5
1445
695
SSK/Max. load, 7" barrel
168 Homady Match
M2
5.2
1031
395
SSK/Subsonic, 7" barrel
168 Homady Match
HP-38
5.7
1035
395
SSK/Subsonic 7" barrel
300 Whisper
Historical Notes The 300 Whisper is a new concept in the
development of small case capacity, highly efficient cartridges
combined with bullets of extreme ballistic efficiency. This is a
state-of-the-art, special purpose design by J.D. Jones of SSK
Industries based on a 221 Remington case necked up to 308 cal¬
iber. It is intended to fire extremely heavy, accurate, ballistically
efficient bullets at sub-sonic velocities in suppressed weapons. It
delivers more energy more accurately than any existing sub-son¬
ic round at 200 yards. In addition, it has interesting supersonic
capabilities above 1160 fps, thus offering greater versatility than
any other cartridge capable of performing in these vastly differing
arenas. Because powder charges are very small, the size of the
suppressor is proportionately smaller.
General Comments Bullet weights from 100 to 240 grains may
be used. Best accuracy results are obtained with heavier bullets.
For silhouette shooting, 220- to 240-grain bullets are best. With
125- or 150-grain projectiles, it is outstanding for deer and other
medium game, offering better performance than the 30-30 Win¬
chester in the T/C Contender pistol with less than half the felt
recoil of the 30-30. In suppressed weapons, noise can be reduced
to less than that of a 177-caliber spring-air rifle. Loading data
and dies are available from SSK Industries, Wintersville, OH.
300 Whisper Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
125 Nosier BT
H-110
20.6
2283
1445
SSK/Maximum rifle load, AR-15
150 Nosier BT
H-110
18.0
2073
1430
SSK/Maximum rifle load
165
A-1680
10.3
1013
375
SSK/Subsonic, AR-15
125 NoslerBT
H-110
20.6
2283
1445
SSK/Maximum load, AR-15
125 Nosier BT
H-110
18.0
2014
1350
SSK/Maximum load, AR-15
165
A-2015BR
12.6
1046
400
SSK/Subsonic, AR-15
168
A-1680
20.2
1906
1355
SSK/Maximum load, rifle
200
A-2015BR
12.0
1007
450
220
M9
8.5
1013
500
SSK/Subsonic, AR-15
250
H-110
8.6
980
530
SSK/Subsonic, AR-15
210 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
309 JDJ
Historical Notes This cartridge was designed and developed by
J.D. Jones about 1978, hence the JDJ designation. It is generally
fired in barrels furnished by SSK Industries. Its purpose is to give
added power and range to the T/C Contender pistol for hunting
medium game. The JDJ series of cartridges are easy to make. All
of the JDJ designs are proprietary rounds and SSK neither sells
reamers nor allows the reamer maker to duplicate the reamers
for sale. Should you desire to chamber a JDJ cartridge, contact
SSK Industries of Wintersville, OH.
General Comments The 309 JDJ is based on a 444 Marlin case
necked down to 30-caliber in a 308 full-length sizing die and then
fire-formed to obtain the sharp shoulder. This cartridge offers
about 2600 fps with a 125-grain bullet, 2450 fps with a 150-grain
bullet, and 160-grainers can be driven at 2400 fps. For general
use, the 165-grain bullets are an excellent choice. J.D. Jones has
taken large plains game in Africa with this round. In a pinch, it
would do for elk with 180-grain bullets, but in my opinion this is
stretching things quite a bit. The 309 is easy to shoot and can be
extremely versatile. With the proper load and bullet and sighted
to shoot about 3 inches high and 100 yards, it will be dead on at
about 225-250 yards. It can be very effective on moderate sized
game to that range, with the right bullet and a shooter possessing
adequate skills.
309 JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
150 SP
IMR 4320
41.0
2010
1360
SSK
150 SP
IMR 4350
43.0
2370
1875
SSK
165 SP
IMR 4350
49.0
2200
1775
SSK
180 SP
IMR 4350
49.0
2135
1825
SSK
30 American
Historical Notes The 30 American is not actually a cartridge. It is, in
fact, a specially-annealed 30-30 Winchester case with a small primer
pocket and small flash hole, made to match-grade tolerances by Fed¬
eral Cartridge Company. The idea for this originated with David D.
Brennan (editor of Precision Shooting), Bill Diefenderfers, David Too-
ley, et al. The purpose of the special case is to provide the basis for form¬
ing a series of wildcat cartridges that are variations of the original 22
Donaldson Wasp. There are 6mm, 25,7mm and 30 caliber versions in
the works. All this came about in 1986 and was written up in the 1988,
42nd edition of Gun Digest (pp. 154 through 160).
General Comments The idea behind the 30 American is to field
a benchrest cartridge that will beat the 22 and 6mm PPC car¬
tridges developed by Dr. Lou Palmisano and Ferris Pindell. Along
the way it will also provide match-grade brass for making up some
of the other wildcats based on the 30-30 case, such as the 30 and
357 Herrett plus a host of others. Brass is no longer available.
300 Phoenix
Historical Notes This is a proprietary cartridge developed by
G. McMillan & Co. of Phoenix, Arizona in 1991. The cartridge is
based on the 416 Rigby case necked down to 308-caliber and was
available as an optional chambering for their custom-made bolt-
action sporting rifles. It is no longer offered.
General Comments The 300 Phoenix was made by trimming
the 416 Rigby case to 2.5 inches in length. When loaded with a
250-grain bullet, the overall length is 3.600 inches which will
work through a standard-length bolt action. Hoped for ballistics
were very impressive, with a 180-grain bullet delivering 3600 fps
at the muzzle and a 250-grain at 3100 fps. This would have been
an outstanding long-range 30-caliber round suitable for any
North American big game at appropriate ranges. However, test¬
ing showed that these results were not obtainable. For example,
velocities that could be gotten with the 250-grain bullet proved to
be only 2800 fps, rather than the intended 3100 fps. Thus, the
300 Phoenix was not a success. It is an example of a wildcat that
did not live up to its promise. Experimenters do learn from these
exercises, so the 300 Phoenix deserves a place in this book as an
example of this lesson.
8th Edition 211
Chapter 5
Historical Notes The 300 Dakota is based on the 404 Jeffrey
case. In this application, the case is shortened to create a 30-06
length cartridge (3.35"). The 300 Dakota’s rim is slightly larger
than a standard belted-magnum case so rechambering must also
include a slight bolt face alteration. In any given length car¬
tridge, use of the non-belted 404 Jeffrey case provides about 15
percent more case capacity than the standard belted-magnum
case. Because maximum case diameter is slightly larger (.544"
versus .532"), magazine capacity is usually reduced by one car¬
tridge; however, minor gunsmithing alterations will remedy that
situation.
General Comments The 300 Dakota functions properly through
standard-length actions (3.35"). This cartridge provides a signifi¬
cant capacity advantage over the 300 Winchester Magnum and
comes close to duplicating capacity and performance of the much
longer 300 Weatherby Magnum. Rechambering to 300 Dakota is
possible in most rifles originally chambered for any standard belt¬
ed 300 Magnum. One thereby gains the improved feeding and
accuracy advantages offered by this non-belted case. If loaded to
similar pressures with appropriate powders, the 300 Dakota offers
a slight velocity advantage over the 300 Winchester Magnum.
With the heaviest bullets, this advantage might be significant. For
those interested in an all-around 30-caliber hunting cartridge, the
300 Dakota is worth considering. The 300 Weatherby does have a
slight capacity advantage but the ballistic difference is marginal
and Weatherb/s cartridge requires a longer action.
300 Dakota Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
165
1 MR-4350
77.0
3247
3860
Dakota/Maximum load
165
H-4831
82.0
3283
3945
Dakota/Maximum load
165
RL-22
83.0
3307
4000
Dakota/Maximum load
165
IMR-7828
85.0
3277
3930
Dakota/Maximum load
180
H-4831
77.5
3114
3875
Dakota/Maximum load
180
RL-22
81.0
3249
4215
Dakota/Maximum load
180
IMR-7828
82.0
3221
4140
Dakota/Maximum load
200
H-4831
77.5
2965
3900
Dakota/Maximum load
200
RL-22
78.0
3052
4130
Dakota/Maximum load
200
IMR-7828
80.5
3026
4060
Dakota/Maximum load
200
H-1000
82.5
2986
3955
Dakota/Maximum load
300 Canadian Magnum
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed about 1989 by
North American Shooting Systems and is somewhat similar to
the 300 Imperial Magnum. This design features a slightly rebat¬
ed rimless bottleneck case. The design intent was to provide the
maximum powder capacity available in a standard action with
minimal gunsmithing. (Without deepening the magazine well
slightly, magazine capacity is usually reduced by one round.) Bolt
face alteration is unnecessary. Cartridge feeding and headspac¬
ing characteristics are improved.
General Comments The Canadian Magnum series is similar
to the Dakota cartridge family both in design and purpose. How¬
ever, this cartridge takes advantage of the entire 3.65" magazine
length of the long-action Remington M700 and similar rifles. On
the Canadian Magnums, body diameter is significantly larger
than the standard belted-magnum (0.544" versus 0.513" at the
base). Rechambering of nominal belted-magnums with the same
bore diameter is generally quite simple, requiring no other rifle
alterations. For any given case length, capacity is about 15 per¬
cent greater than can be achieved with the standard belted-
magnum case. Body taper is minimal and the shoulder is com¬
paratively sharp. However, neck length is sufficiently generous
to provide good bullet purchase for hunting ammunition. Perfor¬
mance is commensurate with the generous capacity and pres¬
sures used in these loadings. Barrel life is a consideration—there
are no free lunches.
300 Canadian Magnum Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
165
H-4831
86.0
3231
3820
NASS/Maximum load
165
RL-22
87.0
3434
4315
NASS/Maximum load
165
IMR-7828
89.5
3466
4395
NASS/Maximum load
180
RL-22
83.0
3354
4490
NASS/Maximum load
180
IMR-7828
87.5
3367
4525
NASS/Maximum load
180
H-1000
92.0
3163
3995
NASS/Maximum load
200
RL-22
79.0
3053
4135
NASS/Maximum load
200
IMR-7828
82.0
3093
4245
NASS/Maximum load
200
H-870
95.0
3070
4180
NASS/Maximum load
180
FL
3425
4685
NASS
212 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
300 Pegasus
Historical Notes This 1994 chambering is based upon an
entirely new case that features a 0.580" head size. The rim is
essentially identical to the 378 Weatherby case but there is no
useless belt. Therefore, case capacity is substantially greater
for any given cartridge length. This standard rimless bottle¬
neck design also facilitates proper chambering with tight tol¬
erances. Design intent was acceleration of 180-grain hunting
bullets to an excess of 3500 fps without exceeding about
62,000 pse (piezo transducer pressure units)—a typical pres¬
sure for modern cartridges. The 300 Pegasus succeeded in
this.
General Comments This cartridge seems a good choice for
those who feel they need a flat-shooting round that can deliver
substantial energy to targets at long range. Rifles originally
chambered for the 378 and 460 can be rebarreled to accept this
cartridge. The slowest handloader powders now available offer
the best velocity potential. In a typical rifle, recoil would have to
be classed as a bit heavy.
300 Pegasus Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
150 Nosier BT
IMR-7828
106.0
3642
4420
A-Square/Maximum load
150 Nosier BT
RL-22
103.0
3675
4495
A-Square/Maximum load
150 Nosier BT
A-8700
130.0
3703
4565
A-Square/Maximum load
180 Nosier BT
RL-22
103.0
3371
4540
A-Square/Maximum load
180 Nosier BT
IMR-7828
106.0
3413
4655
A-Square/Maximum load
180 Nosier BT
A-8700
125.0
3456
4775
A-Square/Maximum load
180 Nosier BT
H-870
123.0
3505
4910
A-Square/Maximum load
150 Nosier BT
FL
3780
4760
A-Square
180 Nosier BT
FL
3523
4960
A-Square
A-Square Caesar rifle.
8mm JDJ
Historical Notes Designed by J.D. Jones at SSK Industries about
1980, this chambering is the 444 Marlin case necked down to 8mm
with no other changes. The design intent was a Thompson/Center
chambering that would surpass 35 Remington rifle ballistics.
General Comments With the 200-grain Nosier Partition
loaded to top handgun velocity (2100 fps), this chambering can
deliver substantial energy within the useful range. However, the
Barnes 180-grain X can deliver superior terminal performance
but its use requires special handloading techniques (deeper bullet
seating and a reduction in powder charge.) Effectiveness on the
lightest species is improved with Homad/s 150-grain bullet at
2400 fps muzzle velocity.
8mm JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
150 Homady
1 MR-4320
47.5
2286
1740
SSK/Maximum SSK
barrels only, 14" barrel
150 Homady
H-322
47.5
2420
1950
SSK/Maximum SSK
barrels only, 14" barrel
170 Homady
1 MR-4320
47.5
2254
1915
SSK/Maximum SSK
barrels only, 14" barrel
170 Homady
A-2520
49.5
2373
2125
SSK/Maximum SSK
barrels only, 14" barrel
200 Speer
H-4350
52.0
2192
2130
SSK/Maximum SSK
barrels only, 14" barrel
225
H-4350
51.5
2131
2265
SSK/Maximum SSK
barrels only, 14" barrel
8th Edition 213
Chapter 5
338 Whisper
Historical Notes Designed by J.D. Jones at SSK Industries in
the early 1990s, this chambering is the 7mm BR opened up to
accept .338" bullets with no other changes. JDJ’s intention was
the delivery of significant long-range energy from a low-noise
rifle. This combination certainly succeeded in attaining that goal.
General Comments Usually this cartridge is chambered in
rebarreled 308 Winchester rifles. With a quick rifling twist, 300-
grain Sierra Matchkings will deliver superb accuracy past 600
yards. Long-range penetration and energy are surprising.
338 Whisper Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
200 Nosier BT
H-4227
11.5
1075
510
SSK/Subsonic, 12" barrel
200 Nosier BT
HP-38
8.8
1077
515
SSK/Subsonic, 12" barrel
250 Nosier BT
HP-38
9.6
1029
585
SSK/Subsonic, 12" barrel
250 Nosier BT
N-350
10.8
1040
600
SSK/Subsonic, 12" barrel
300 Nosier BT
N-350
12.3
1040
720
SSK/Subsonic, 12" barrel
300 Nosier BT
HP-38
10.8
1050
735
SSK/Subsonic, 12" barrel
338-06
Historical Notes Back in 1945-1946 Charles O’Neil, Elmer Keith
and Don Hopkins developed a cartridge they named the 333 OKH
which was based on the 30-06 case necked-up to 333-caliber. It was
a very good big game cartridge, but today it suffers from the lack of
good, readily available .333-inch diameter bullets. When the 338
Winchester Magnum was introduced in 1958, it was followed
immediately by a variety of commercial .338-inch diameter bullets.
Shortly thereafter, several individuals at different places conceived
the idea of either altering their 333 OKHs or necking-up the 30-06
to accept .338-inch diameter bullets. Any difference in performance
between the 333 OKH and the 338-06 is purely academic and
almost invisible. The latter uses a standard commercial diameter
bullet readily available through handloading supply dealers, which
is a big advantage. The two cartridges are so nearly alike that one
can use loading data from the 333 OKH in the 338-06 with virtual¬
ly the same results.
General Comments Since .338-inch diameter bullets are avail¬
able in weights varying from 200 grains up to 300 grains, this
makes the 338-06 a versatile and effective big game cartridge. Its
predecessor, the 333 OKH, earned a good reputation on heavy
game using 275-grain bullets and the same would be true of the
338-06. Speer produces a 275-grain bullet for the 338 Winchester
Magnum that should work equally well in the 338-06 for elk,
moose or brown bear. The performance of the 338-06 is very sim¬
ilar to the 35 Whelen except that the .338-inch diameter bullets
offer somewhat better sectional density—.313 for the Sierra 250-
grain .338-inch Spitzer boattail, as opposed to .279 for the Speer
.358-inch spitzer bullet of the same weight. Also, many of the
available 35-caliber rifle bullets are flat nosed for use in lever-
action or pump-action rifles with tubular magazines. This type of
bullet loses velocity more rapidly than the pointed- or spitzer-
type. There is no great difference in killing power between the
two, but the user of 35-caliber rifles has a much larger variety of
commercial bullets and bullet moulds to choose from, plus the
advantage of being able to use jacketed or cast .357-inch hand¬
gun bullets for light loads or varmint shooting. In summary, the
338-06 is an excellent big game cartridge, but not as flexible or as
versatile as the 35 Whelen in the matter of available bullet types.
The 338-06 Ackley Improved can produce about 150 fps more
muzzle velocity at the same maximum pressure and is a much
better choice for other reasons: improved case life, accurate
headspacing and extraction ease.
338-06 Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
200 SP
IMR 3031
48.0
2465
2700
200 SP
IMR 4320
54.0
2610
3020
250 SP
IMR 4064
56.0
2585
3730
250 SP
IMR 3031
47.0
2370
3130
275 SP
IMR 4350
55.0
2305
3250
275 SP
IMR 4895
50.0
2275
3165
214 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
338 JDJ
Historical Notes Like several other chamberings based upon
the same basic case (444 Marlin), this cartridge was designed and
developed by J.D. Jones about 1978. Barrels in this chambering
are furnished by SSK Industries. The purpose is to provide
increased power and range for T/C Contender and other single¬
shot hunting handguns. Like most of the JDJ line, these cases are
easily formed from the parent case. Chambering dimensions are
proprietary.
General Comments Based on the 444 Marlin necked down,
this chambering provides ample capacity and bullet area to pro¬
duce impressive muzzle energy, especially with longer handgun-
length barrels (14-16 inches). With bullets of only slightly lighter
weight, the 338 JDJ offers muzzle velocities similar to the 375
Winchester when fired from a rifle. Since this cartridge uses
spitzer bullets, performance at normal hunting ranges is signifi¬
cantly superior to the parent 444 Marlin’s rifle ballistics. Con¬
ventional bullets of 180-120 grains are good choices. However, the
Barnes 160-grain X can deliver superior terminal performance,
reduced recoil and a flatter trajectory but requires special hand¬
loading techniques (deeper bullet seating and a reduction in pow¬
der charge). With proper hunting bullets loaded to maxmimum
velocity (necessary to assure proper terminal performance) recoil
can be rather stiff
330 Dakota
Historical Notes The 330 Dakota is based upon a shortened
version of the rimless bottleneck 404 Jeffrey case. The 330
Dakota is dimensioned to function through a standard-length
action (3.35"). The design intention was to offer a factory alter¬
native to the 338 Winchester Magnum providing 340 Weather-
by performance. This also offers 338 Winchester Magnum rifle
owners a simple conversion to improve ballistics and cartridge
feeding characteristics.
General Comments Like the 7mm and 300 Dakota cartridges,
the 330 Dakota functions properly through 30-06 length (3.35")
actions. This cartridge provides a significant case capacity advan¬
tage over the 338 Winchester Magnum (about 15 percent) and
comes very close to duplicating capacity and performance of the
much-longer 340 Weatherby Magnum. Most rifles chambered for
the 338 Winchester Magnum are easily converted to 330 Dakota.
This conversion offers advantages in function, accuracy and bal¬
listics because of the non-belted case. If loaded to similar pres¬
sures with appropriate powders the 330 Dakota should produce
fully 5 percent more velocity (10 percent more energy), compared
to Winchester’s 338 Magnum. With the heaviest bullets the
advantage is more significant. For those interested in a hunting
cartridge geared to larger big game, the 330 Dakota is a serious
contender. Combined with the right bullets, this flat-shooting car¬
tridge can deliver more energy to targets a quarter-mile away
than factory 270 ammunition produces at the muzzle! The 340
Weatherby does have a slight capacity advantage but the ballistic
difference is marginal and Weatherby’s cartridge requires use of
a longer action. For those wanting maximum performance from
the .338" bore the Canadian Magnum or A-Square offerings are
better choices.
330 Dakota Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
200
1 MR-4350
80.0
3082
4215
Dakota/Maximum load
200
RL-22
86.5
3146
4390
Dakota/Maximum load
200
H-4831
88.0
3200
4545
Dakota/Maximum load
200
1 MR-7828
88.0
3100
4265
Dakota/Maximum load
250
1 MR-4350
76.0
2853
4515
Dakota/Maximum load
250
RL-22
80.5
2849
4500
Dakota/Maximum load
250
H-4831
81.5
2878
4595
Dakota/Maximum load
250
1 MR-7828
82.0
2829
4440
Dakota/Maximum load
8th Edition 215
Chapter 5
338 Canadian Magnum
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed about 1989 by
North American Shooting Systems and is somewhat similar to
the 338 Imperial Magnum. This design features a slightly rebat¬
ed rimless bottleneck case. The design intent was to provide the
maximum powder capacity available in a standard action with
minimal gunsmithing. (Without deepening the magazine well
slightly, magazine capacity is usually reduced by one round.) Bolt
face alteration is not necessary. Cartridge feeding and headspac¬
ing characteristics are improved.
General Comments The Canadian Magnum series is similar
to the Dakota cartridge family both in design and purpose. How¬
ever, this cartridge takes advantage of the entire 3.65" magazine
length of the long-action Remington M700 and similar rifles. On
the Canadian Magnums, body diameter is significantly larger
than the standard belted-magnum (0.544" versus 0.513" at the
base). Rechambering of nominal belted-magnums with the same
bore diameter is generally quite simple, requiring no other rifle
alterations. For any given case length, capacity is about 15 per¬
cent greater than can be achieved with the standard belted-mag¬
num case. Body taper is minimal and the case shoulder is
comparatively sharp. However, neck length is sufficently gener¬
ous to provide good bullet purchase for hunting ammunition. Per¬
formance is commensurate with the capacity and pressures used
in these loadings.
338 Canadian Magnum Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
225
IMR-4831
88.0
3083
4745
NASS/Maximum load
225
H-4831
91.0
3047
4635
NASS/Maximum load
250
IMR-4831
88.0
2924
4740
NASS/Maximum load
250
RL-19
89.0
2977
4915
NASS/Maximum load
250
H-4831
91.0
2951
4830
NASS/Maximum load
225
FL
3110
4830
NASS
338 A-Square
Historical Notes This 1978 design is a somewhat modified 378
Weatherby Magnum necked down to accept .338" bullets. The
intention was to provide a flat-shooting cartridge capable of deliv¬
ering substantial energy to medium-sized game animals at nor¬
mal hunting ranges. With minor modifications most nominal
3.65" length bolt-action magazines will handle this cartridge.
General Comments Ballistics are very close to A-Square’s 338
Excalibur but this cartridge will not feed from a magazine as
smoothly as that beltless design will. The basic design incorporates
a sharp shoulder, for good headspace control, but features a com¬
paratively generous body taper. Ballistics are impressive. This car¬
tridge can deliver massive doses of energy to long-range targets.
338 A-Square Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 Nosier BT
H-4831
104.0
3259
4715
A-Square/Max.
200 Nosier BT
IMR-7828
106.0
3353
4990
A-Square/Max.
200 Nosier BT
RL-22
104.0
3355
4995
A-Square/Max.
250 Sierra SBT
IMR-7828
95.0
2879
4600
A-Square/Max.
250 Sierra SBT
RL-22
95.0
2965
4880
A-Square/Max.
250 Sierra SBT
H-870
118.0
3094
5310
A-Square/Max.
250 Sierra SBT
A8700
120.0
3100
5330
A-Square/Max.
200 Nosier BT
FL
3500
5435
A-Square
250 Sierra SBT
FL
3120
5400
A-Square
250 Triad
FL
3120
5400
A-Square
216 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
338 Excalibur
Historical Notes This 1994 chambering is based upon an
entirely new case that features a 0.580" head size. The rim is
essentially identical to the 378 Weatherby case but there is no
useless belt. Therefore, case capacity is substantially greater
for any given cartridge length. This standard rimless bottle¬
neck design also facilitates proper chambering with tight tol¬
erances. Design intent was acceleration of a 200-grain hunting
bullet to an excess of 3500 fps without exceeding about 62,000
psi (piezo transducer pressure units)—a typical pressure for
modem cartridges. The 338 Excalibur seems to have succeed¬
ed in this.
General Comments This cartridge is a superior choice for
those who feel they need a flat-shooting cartridge that can deliv¬
er substantial energy to medium-sized game targets at long-
range. Rifles originally chambered for the 378 and 460 can be
rebarreled to accept this cartridge. The slowest handloader pow¬
ders now available offer the best velocity potential. In a typical
rifle, recoil would have to be classed as heavy, especially when
shooting heavier bullets. As is normal with .338" chamberings,
trajectories are essentially indistinguishable from the similar 30-
caliber counterpart but with the delivery of a heavier bullet car¬
rying more energy.
338 Excalibur Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
200 Nosier BT
RL-22
113.0
3434
5240
A-Square/Maximum load
200 Nosier BT
H-870
138.0
3480
5380
A-Square/Maximum load
200 Nosier BT
A-8700
140.0
3493
5415
A-Square/Maximum load
200 Nosier BT
IMR-7828
116.0
3497
5430
A-Square/Maximum load
250 Sierra SBT
IMR-7827
105.0
2966
4885
A-Square/Maximum load
250 Sierra SBT
H-5010
128.0
3109
5365
A-Square/Maximum load
250 Sierra SBT
RL-22
110.0
3192
5655
A-Square/Maximum load
250 Sierra SBT
H-870
128.0
3200
5685
A-Square/Maximum load
250 Sierra SBT
A-8700
130.0
3202
5690
A-Square/Maximum load
358 JDJ
Historical Notes This is another cartridge designed and devel¬
oped by J.D. Jones. J.D. began development of his cartridges
around 1978 to give added range and power to the
Thompson/Center Contender pistol. Some of J.D.’s cartridges
have also proved to be excellent metallic silhouette numbers. The
JDJ cartridges are relatively easy to make. All of the JDJ car¬
tridges are proprietary and SSK neither sells reamers nor has
permitted the reamer maker to duplicate any of the reamers for
the series. Should you desire a JDJ cartridge, contact SSK Indus¬
tries, 421 Woodvue Lane, Wintersville, OH 43952.
General Comments Based on the 444 Marlin necked down,
this chambering provides ample capacity and bullet area to pro¬
duce impressive muzzle energy, especially with longer handgun-
length barrels (14-16 inches). Any 357 Magnum, 35 Remington
or 35 Herrett Thompson/Center Contender barrel is easily re¬
chambered to use this cartridge. The 358 JDJ offers muzzle veloc¬
ities similar to the 375 Winchester (rifle loads) with bullets of
equal weight. Since this chambering uses spitzer bullets, deliv¬
ered energy at normal hunting range is significantly higher than
the parent 444 Marlin can deliver, even when the latter is fired
from a rifle. Bullets of 180-225 grains are good choices and the
Barnes 180-grain X provides excellent terminal performance.
However, the use of the Barnes X requires special handloading
techniques (deeper bullet seating and a reduction in powder
charge). Top loads in this chambering generate significant recoil.
An effective muzzlebrake (which increases the already signficant
muzzle blast effect) is essential. Recoil of top loads compares to
top 44 Magnum revolver loads, a recoil level many shooters can¬
not learn to tolerate. When bullets of proper hunting weight are
driven at full velocity (necessary to assure proper terminal per¬
formance) even the seasoned handgunner would describe the
recoil generated as “rather brisk.”
358 JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
180JSP
RL-7
49.0
2295
2105
SSK
200 SP
RL-7
48.0
2275
2295
SSK
225 SP
RL-15
52.5
2145
2300
SSK
250 SP
AAC2520
50.0
2100
2205
SSK
8th Edition 217
Chapter 5
358 Shooting Times
Alaskan (358 STA)
Historical Notes This wildcat chambering was originated in
1990 by Layne Simpson, a gun writer for Shooting Times maga¬
zine. The original version was simply the 8mm Remington Mag¬
num necked up with no other changes. In 1994, a somewhat
modified version featuring reduced body taper and a sharper
shoulder was adopted for chambering in A-Square rifles. This car¬
tridge takes advantage of the 3.65" magazine length of the long-
action Remington Model 700.
General Comments The 358 STA has impressive velocity
potential and can deliver good ballistics with a variety of bullets
and powders. Currently there is a paucity of data available but A-
Square provides ammunition and data for a few of the more pop¬
ular bullet weights and types. It is likely that some of the slower
handloader powders would show improved performance in this
chambering.
358 STA Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
125 Sierra JSP
H-4831
91.0
3046
2575
A-Square (Practice Load)
225 Sierra SBT
1 MR-7828
93.0
3003
4505
A-Square/Maximum load
225 Sierra SBT
RL-22
93.0
3041
4620
A-Square/Maximum load
225 Sierra SBT
H-4831
93.0
3056
4665
A-Square/Maximum load
275 A-Square Lion
RL-22
90.0
2835
4905
A-Square/Maximum load
275 A-Square Lion
1 MR-7828
92.0
2850
4960
A-Square/Maximum load
275 A-Square Lion
H-4831
90.0
2857
4980
A-Square/Maximum load
275 TRIAD
FL
2850
4955
A-Square (3 A-Square
bullet types)
9.3mm JDJ
Historical Notes Designed by J.D. Jones at SSK Industries,
this chambering is the 444 Marlin case necked down to 9.3mm
with no other changes. The design intent was a Thompson/Center
chambering that would surpass 35 Remington rifle ballistics and
use the newly available U.S. manufactured 9.3mm bullets.
General Comments Any ballistic difference between this
chambering and the 358 JDJ would be very hard to demonstrate.
This chambering is reported to deliver impressive preformance
against deer and black bear-sized game when heavy bullets are
used. The primary market is European, where the 9.3mm bore is
quite popular. Bluntly, this chambering generates significant
recoil. An effective muzzlebrake (which increases the already sig¬
nificant muzzle blast effect) is essential. Recoil of top loads com¬
pares to top 44 Magnum revolver loads, a recoil level many
shooters cannot learn to tolerate. When bullets of proper hunting
weight are driven at full velocity (necessary to assure proper ter¬
minal performance) even the seasoned handgunner would
describe the recoil as “very brisk.”
9.3mm JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
270 Speer
H-322 44.0
1906
2175
SSK/Maximum load, SSK
barrel only, 14" barrel
270 Speer
H-414 57.3
1924
2240
SSK/Maximum load, SSK
barrel only, 14" barrel
270 Speer
1 MR-4064 52.0
1974
2335
SSK/Maximum load, SSK
barrel only, 14" barrel
270 Norma
RL-15 53.0
2027
2465
SSK/Maximum load, SSK
barrel only, 14" barrel
270 Speer
RL-15 54.0
2077
2585
SSK/Maximum load, SSK
barrel only, 14" barrel
218 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
375 JDJ
Historical Notes This is another cartridge designed and devel¬
oped by J.D. Jones, hence the JDJ designation. J.D. began devel¬
opment of his cartridges around 1978 and they are generally fired
in barrels furnished by his company SSK Industries. The purpose
of these cartridges is to give added range and power to the
Thompson/Center Contender pistol for hunting. Some of J.D.’s
cartridges have also proved to be excellent metallic silhouette
numbers. The JDJ cartridges are relatively easy to make. All of
the JDJ cartridges are proprietary and SSK neither sells reamers
nor has permitted the reamer maker to duplicate any of the
reamers for the series. Should you desire a JDJ cartridge, contact
SSK Industries, 421 Woodvue Lane, Wintersville, OH 43952.
General Comments Based on the 444 Marlin necked down,this
chambering provides ample capacity and bullet area to produce
muzzle energy similar to what 30-06 chambered rifles deliver,
especially with longer handgun-length barrels (14-16 inches). The
375 JDJ loaded to top velocity with 250-grain bullets is fully capa¬
ble of taking elk-sized game with proper shot placement. However,
the Barnes 210-grain X can deliver superior terminal perfor¬
mance, reduced recoil and a flatter trajectory but does require spe¬
cial handloading techniques (deeper bullet seating and a reduction
in powder charge). With heavier bullets of proper construction this
chambering is adequate for species to the one-ton class. J.D. Jones
himself has repeatedly proven this fact. There is an excellent
selection of good bullets that work well when loaded to top 375
JDJ velocity. Bluntly, this chambering generates signficant recoil.
An effective muzzlebrake (which increases the already significant
muzzle blast effect) is essential. Top loads generally produce more
recoil than top 44 Magnum revolver loads, a recoil level many
shooters cannot learn to tolerate. When bullets of proper hunting
weight are driven at full velocity (necessary to assure proper ter¬
minal performance) even the seasoned handgunner would
describe the recoil as “very brisk.”
375 JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
220 SP
H-4895
51.0
2200
2365
SSK
270 SP
IMR 4064
48.0
1900
2165
SSK
270 SP
IMR 4064
49.2
2000
2400
SSK
300 SP
W-748
50.8
1900
2405
SSK
375 JRS Magnum
General Comments The 375 JRS was designed by noted gun-
wnter Jon R. Sundra. It is based on the 8mm Remington Mag¬
num case necked up to .375 with no other changes. It can be
made by fireforming 375 H&H factory ammunition, or by necking
up the 8mm Rem. Mag. using tapered expanders of .358- then
.375-inch, or by fireforming using blank loads in 8mm Rem. Mag.
brass. Of these options, Sundra recommends the latter because
only the neck is worked; this procedure requires a load of 35.0
grains of DuPont SR 4756, a small overpowder wad of tissue, and
then filling the remainder of the case to the base of the neck with
Cream of Wheat. Seal off the case mouth with a plug of soap by
pushing the case neck into a bar of soap. The resultant blank will
expand the neck perfectly in a 375 JRS chamber. As of August,
1990, the above procedures are no longer necessary because A-
Square Co. now offers 375 JRS unprimed brass as well as loaded
ammo with their headstamp. They also build rifles as well as
rebarrel actions and rechamber. As of 1992, U.S. Repeating Arms
is chambering the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade (the pre-’64
action with controlled round feeding) for the 375 JRS.
General Comments Case capacity of the 375 JRS is about 8
percent greater than that of 375 H&H. The best powder for 270-
to 330-grain bullets is IMR 4350. Velocity in 24-inch barrels for a
300-grain bullet will average between 2700 and 2750 fps. Any
max load listed for the 375 H&H can be used for a starting load in
the 375 JRS. E.R. Shaw and H-S Precision also chamber for the
375 JRS; Homady and RCBS make reloading dies.
375 JRS Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
270 SP IMR 4350 85.0 2750 4535 Jon Sundra
300 SP IMR 4350 83.0 2700 4855 Jon Sundra
8th Edition 219
Chapter 5
375 Dakota
Historical Notes The 375 Dakota is a shortened and necked-
down version of the basic rebated-rimless 404 Jeffrey case, but
the rim is enlarged slightly to eliminate the rebated feature. The
design purpose was to create a cartridge that would duplicate 375
H&H performance from a 30-06 length action (3.35"). The case
features a rim that is slightly larger than the standard belted-
magnum cases—standard belted-magnum bolt faces require
slight alteration for use with this cartridge. Despite its similar
capacity, maximum case diameter of this much shorter case is
only slightly larger than the 375 H&H Magnum. Typically, mag¬
azine capacity is reduced by one cartridge. This is perhaps, a sig¬
nificant consideration for a dangerous-game rifle but a minor
magazine alteration will remedy the problem.
General Comments The 375 Dakota, just like the 7mm, 300
and 330 Dakota cartridges, functions properly through standard-
length (3.35") actions. Usable case capacity is nearly identical to
the 375 H&H Magnum and, if loaded to equal pressures, ballis¬
tics are the same. This cartridge provides superior feeding and a
potential accuracy advantage over the 375 H&H. Geared toward
larger species, this should be a good choice for those who feel
lesser calibers are not adequate to the task at hand. Combined
with some of the superior bullets now availabe, this cartridge
can rival the long-range trajectory of the best 270 Winchester
loads. When loaded with proper dangerous-game bullets, and in
the hands of an expert, this cartridge would suffice for any game
worldwide.
375 Dakota Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
270
RL-15
75.0
2829
4795
Dakota/Maximum load
270
1 MR-4350
85.0
2895
5020
Dakota/Maximum load
270
H-4350
85.0
2883
4980
Dakota/Maximum load
300
1 MR-4350
78.0
2660
4710
Dakota/Maximum load
300
H-4350
78.0
2648
4670
Dakota/Maximum load
300
IMR-4831
79.0
2641
4640
Dakota/Maximum load
300
RL-19
83.5
2662
4720
Dakota/Maximum load
375 Canadian Magnum
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed about 1994 by
North American Shooting Systems and is simply a 375-caliber
version of the 338 Canadian Magnum. This design features a
slightly rebated rimless bottleneck case. Design intent was to pro¬
vide the maximum feasible powder capacity in a standard action
with minimal gunsmithing. (Without deepening the magazine
well slightly, magazine capacity is usually reduced by one round.)
Bolt face alteration is not necessary. Cartridge feeding and
headspacing characteristics are improved.
General Comments The Canadian Magnum series is similar
to Dakota’s cartridge family both in design and purpose. Howev¬
er, this cartridge (like the entire Canadian line) takes advantage
of the full 3.65" magazine length of the long-action Remington
M700 and similar rifles. On the Canadian Magnums, body diam¬
eter is significantly larger than the standard belted-magnum
(0.544" versus 0.513" at the base). Rechambering of nominal belt¬
ed-magnums with the same bore diameter is generally quite sim¬
ple, requiring no other alterations to the gun. For any given case
length, case capacity is about 15 percent greater than can be
achieved with the belted version. Body taper is minimal and the
shoulder is comparatively sharp. However, neck length is suffi¬
ciently generous to provide good bullet purchase for hunting
ammunition. Performance is commensurate with the capacity
and pressures used in these loadings. Actual performance of this
number is very close to the vaunted 378 Weatherby Magnum.
375 Canadian Magnum Loading Data_
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source/Comments
270 H-4831 103.0 3010 5430 NASS/Maximum load
270 FL 3000 5395 NASS
220 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
Historical Notes This is a somewhat modified 378 Weatherby
Magnum designed in 1975. Ths changes are intended to allow
duplication of 378 Weatherby Magnum performance in a 375
H&H magazine length (3.65").
General Comments Ballistics duplicate the parent 378 Weath¬
erby Magnum and chambering is easily achieved in any of the
many 375 H&H chambered magazine rifles. Cases are easily con¬
375 A-Square Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
250 Sierra SBT
1 MR-4831
106.0
3184
5625
A-Square/Maximum load
250 Sierra SBT
H-4831
114.5
3186
5630
A-Square/Maximum load
250 Sierra SBT
RL-22
113.0
3217
5740
A-Square/Maximum load
300 Monolithic Solid
RL-22
105.0
2839
5370
A-Square/Maximum load
300 Monolithic Solid
1 MR-4831
101.0
2911
5640
A-Square/Maximum load
300 Monolithic Solid
H-4831
110.0
2974
5890
A-Square/Maximum load
300 Sierra & TRIAD
FL
2920
5675
A-Square (3 A-Square
bullet types)
verted from 378 Weatherby Magnum brass. This chambering is a
viable choice for a fight rifle in Africa. The heavier solids offered
are certainly capable for use against the heaviest of game, with
proper shot placement—but then, when does shot placement not
count? Recoil is distinctly less than any of the 40 caliber and larg¬
er dangerous-game chamberings—rightly it could be said that
recoil is an entirely different class!
411 JDJ
Historical Notes Based upon the 444 Marlin case, this car¬
tridge is designed to take advantage of the plentiful 41-caliber
pistol and revolver bullets now on the market. With cast rifle bul¬
lets sized properly it provides more versatility than the .416"
bore. JDJ designed this at SSK Industries.
General Comments Various pistol and revolver bullets can be
loaded to achieve as high as 2400 fps from a 14" Contender bar¬
rel. Special cast bullets in the 400-grain range are easily loaded to
achieve 1800 fps in the same guns. This is equivalent to top 45-70
modem rifle ballistics. Even with the best Pachmayr Decelerator
grips and the most effective muzzlebrake possible, this combina¬
tion will generate massive recoil. Many otherwise competent
shooters simply cannot learn to master such a chambering in a
handgun. The Barnes 300-grain X offers reduced recoil with
potentially superior terminal performance and a flatter trajectory
but requires special handloading techniques (deeper bullet seat¬
ing and a reduction in powder charge). With the proper bullets,
those who can handle the recoil will find this a serious handgun
chambering for use against any species in the world.
411 JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
210 Sierra
H-4198
45.0
1878
1640
SSK/Maximum load,
SSK barrels only, 14"
210 Sierra
1 MR-4227
44.0
2344
2560
SSK/Maximum load,
SSK barrels only, 14"
275 Harrison
H-4227
38.0
1990
2415
SSK/Maximum load,
SSK barrels only, 14"
295 Cast
H-322
45.0
1683
1855
SSK/Maximum load,
SSK barrels only, 14"
330 Harrison
RL-7
46.0
2000
2930
SSK/Maximum load,
SSK barrels only, 14"
385 Cast
RL-7
46.0
1711
2500
SSK/Maximum load,
SSK barrels only, 14"
8th Edition 221
Chapter 5
416 JDJ
Historical Notes Based upon the 444 Marlin case, this car¬
tridge is designed to take advantage of the plentiful 416-caliber
rifle bullets now on the market. With cast rifle bullets sized prop¬
erly, it provides some versatility but is only intended for big game
hunting. JDJ designed this at SSK Industries after the advent of
416 handloader bullets.
General Comments Rifle bullets in the 400-grain range are
easily loaded to achieve 1800 fps from a 14" Contender barrel.
This is equivalent to top 45-70 ballistics from a modern rifle.
Even with the best Pachmayr Decelerator grops and the most
effective muzzlebrake possible, this combination will generate
massive recoil. Many otherwise competent shooters simply can¬
not learn to master such a chambering in a handgun. The Barnes
300-grain X offers reduced recoil with potentially superior termi¬
nal performance and a flatter trajectory but requires specal hand¬
loading techniques (deeper bullet seating and a reduction in
powder charge.) With the proper bullets, those who can handle
the recoil will find this a serious handgun chambering for use
against any species in the world.
416 JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
300 Hawk
RL-7 51.0
2016
2705
SSK/Maximum load,
SSK barrels only, 14"
350 CB
A-2230 56.0
1908
2830
SSK/Maximum load,
SSK barrels only, 14"
400 Homady
RL-15 53.5
1727
2650
SSK/Maximum load,
SSK barrels only, 14"
400 Hawk
RL-15 56.5
1810
2910
SSK/Maximum load,
SSK barrels only, 14"
416 Taylor
Historical Notes The 416 Taylor was developed by Robert
Chatfield-Taylor in 1972. It is based on the 458 Winchester Mag¬
num case necked-down to 416-caliber. However, it can also be
made by necking-up 338 Winchester Magnum brass. The late
Robert Chatfield-Taylor was a writer and hunter of note, and he
used the cartridge in Africa and reported very favorably on it. It
was also checked out on Cape buffalo, elephant and lion by sever¬
al others with success, including John Wootters. At one time,
there were rumors that the cartridge would be commercialized by
Remington or Winchester, but this never happened. The 416 Tay¬
lor is ballistically similar to the 416 Rigby and is adequate for the
same range of game, including the tough, dangerous African
varieties. It is over powered for most North American big game,
but would be good backup against the big brown bears.
General Comments The 416 Taylor came about in part
because 416 Rigby cartridges and cases were difficult to obtain
and partly because the 416-caliber represents a gap in the
American commercial cartridge lineup. The 416 Taylor can also
be used in a standard-length action. This gap has now been
filled by Remington with their 416 Remington Magnum based
on the 8mm Remington Magnum case, and also by Weatherby
with their new 416. In 1988, Federal introduced ammunition in
416 Rigby caliber, thus ending the shortage of this caliber
ammunition.
The 416 Taylor can be considered something of a forerunner to
the Remington 416 because it proved the feasibility and effective¬
ness of a new 416-caliber to replace the venerable 416 Rigby. The
cases are easy to make and RCBS can furnish loading dies. Orig¬
inally the problem was the availability of good .416-inch bullets.
However, that deficiency has been eliminated by Barnes and Hor-
nady. A-Square currently furnishes rifles, cases, bullets and
loaded ammunition in 416 Taylor, so it has become a proprietary
cartridge.
416 Taylor Loading Data _
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
400 SP I MR 4320 70.0 2270 4595
400 SP I MR 4320 71.0 2305 4700
222 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
416 Hoffman
Historical Notes The 416 Hoffman is another of the wildcat
cartridges adopted by A-Square Co. In other words, brass cases,
bullets, and loaded ammunition in this caliber are currently
available from A-Square. It originated with George L. Hoffman,
of Sonora, Texas, in the late 1970s and is based on the necked-up
and Improved 375 H&H Magnum case. Ballistically, it duplicates
the 416 Rigby and the 416 Taylor except that the case is about
3 /io-inch longer than the Taylor and holds a little more powder.
The cartridge case is of smaller base diameter than the Rigby,
which allows an extra round to be carried in a magazine of equal
size. A-Square can also furnish rifles of this caliber.
General Comments The 416 Hoffman is the most practical of
the 416 wildcats because as a proprietary cartridge one can
obtain all of the components without the necessity of reworking
375 H&H brass. With its 400-grain bullet at 2400 fps, it is rela¬
tively flat-shooting out to 200 yards and is extremely accurate. It
would be a good candidate for a one-gun cartridge to take on
whatever Africa has to offer. Although over powered for most
North American big game, it would nevertheless do very well on
moose or grizzly bear and could be loaded down for use on some of
the smaller species. It is a very good cartridge for those who need
or favor the 416 bore. However, the new 416 Remington will prob¬
ably dominate the field because as a commercial number it will be
easier to find and less expensive.
416 Hoffman Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
400 SP
IMR 4064
77.0
2400
5125
400 SP
IMR 4895
74.0
2350
4910
400 SP
IMR 4895
77.0
2425
5230
400 SP
IMR 4320
77.0
2400
5125
400 SP
IMR 4350
88.0
2375
5040
416 Dakota
Historical Notes The 416 Dakota uses a modified full-length
404 Jeffrey case, which features a rim that is only slightly larger
than the standard belted-magnum rim. In any given length car¬
tridge, use of the non-belted 404 Jeffrey case offers about 15 per¬
cent more case capacity than the standard belted-magnum.
Because maximum case diameter is only slightly larger, one can
retain full magazine capacity through minor magazine well mod¬
ifications. Dakota designed their 416 to offer maximum 416 bore
ballistics in a standard size action.
General Comments With about 15 percent more usable capac¬
ity, the 416 Dakota offers ballistic performance substantially
superior to the 416 Remington Magnum. Lacking the belt, this
cartridge also feeds better from the magazine and offers poten¬
tially superior accuracy. This cartridge requires use of a so-called
magnum-length action (3.65"). Gunsmiths can easily rechamber
most 416 Remington Magnum rifles to 416 Dakota. Restrictive
laws often prohibit taking of dangerous game with cartridges of
lesser caliber (although typically there is no restriction on bullet
weight, type or velocity!) so the various 416s present themselves
as a minimum-caliber alternative. Many find the reduction in
recoil, compared to larger bores shooting heavier bullets, a worth¬
while advantage. To its credit, when loaded with proper spitzer
bullets, the 416 Dakota offers a trajectory similar to the 270 Win¬
chester and can deliver energy levels at extended ranges that
rival muzzle energies of cartridges most shooters consider as true
magnums. Of course, there are no free lunches; in this chamber¬
ing, even with an effective muzzlebrake, recoil becomes a bit stiff
in typical rifles.
416 Dakota Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
400
1 MR-4350
90.0
2489
5500
Dakota/Maximum load
400
IMR-4831
95.0
2527
5670
Dakota/Maximum load
400
RL-19
100.0
2558
5810
Dakota/Maximum load
400
H-4831
100.0
2556
5800
Dakota/Maximum load
8th Edition 223
Chapter 5
Historical Notes The 425 Express was developed as a joint
effort between Cameron Hopkins and Whit Collins with John
French building the original prototype rifle. The entire story was
published in the May 1988 issue of Guns Magazine. The cartridge
is based on the 300 Winchester Magnum case shortened from
2.620 inches to 2.550 inches to allow for case stretching, then fire-
formed in the 425 chamber. Loading dies are available from Red¬
ding Reloading Equipment. The prototype rifle was built on a
Ruger Model 77 action.
General Comments The 425 Express fills a gap in the medi¬
um-bore cartridge lineup between the 375 Holland & Holland
Magnum and the 458 Winchester Magnum. The cartridge fits
standard-length bolt actions such as the Winchester Model 70,
1917 Enfield, Mauser 98 or other similar length actions. The car¬
tridge uses either a 350-grain or a 400-grain bullet and has
proven very effective on heavy African game. It is overpowered
for most North American hunting, but would provide a margin of
safety if going after the big brown bears in the far North. Col.
Charles Askins used the 425 Express very successfully on buffalo
in Australia.
425 Express Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Sou rce/Com merits
350 SP
IMR 4064
79.0
2535
5000
Cameron Hopkins
350 SP
H-4895
77.0
2490
4825
Cameron Hopkins
350 SP
W-760
77.0
2210
3795
Cameron Hopkins
400 SP
H-4895
73.0
2420
5210
Cameron Hopkins
400 SP
IMR 4064
76.0
2370
4995
Cameron Hopkins
400 SP
W-760
76.0
2155
4120
Cameron Hopkins
458 Whisper
Historical Notes Designed by J.D. Jones in 1993 at SSK Industries,
this chambering uses a shortened 458 Winchester Magnum case. With
custom 600-grain very low drag (VLD) bullets this cartridge will func¬
tion through standard-length magazines. The design intent was to cre¬
ate a hard-hitting subsonic round with superior penetration potential.
General Comments This is a rather esoteric chambering. For
proper use it requires very expensive custom bullets. Neverthe¬
less, ballistic consistency and accuracy are impressive. When
launched at subsonic velocities (1040 ft)s is typical for the 458
Whisper), this long and heavy VLD bullet loses velocity so slowly
that crosswinds have little effect. It also retains the greater mea¬
sure of its muzzle energy beyond one mile!
458 Whisper Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
500 H.T.
W-231
15.6
1021
1155
SSK/Subsonic
500 H.T.
Blue Dot
18.0
1025
1165
SSK/Subsonic
560 H.T.
Blue Dot
18.0
1101
1505
SSK/Subsonic
560 H.T.
H-4198
25.5
1049
1365
SSK/Subsonic
600 H.T.
A-2015BR
27.0
1044
1450
SSK/Subsonic
600 H.T.
H-4198
25.5
1082
1555
SSK/Subsonic
600 H.T.
Blue Dot
18.0
1107
1630
SSK/Subsonic
224 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
458 Lott
Historical Notes The 458 Lott was originated by Jack Lott in
1971. It is based on the blown out and shortened 375 H&H Mag¬
num case. It is 3 /io-inch longer than the 458 Winchester Magnum
case. The purpose of the slightly longer case was to improve on
the performance of the 458 Winchester with the 500-grain bullet
for use in Africa against dangerous game. Information was pub¬
lished in the 10th Edition of Handloader’s Digest , p. 119.
General Comments The 458 Winchester is advertised as devel¬
oping 2040 fps with the 500-grain bullet when fired from a 24-
inch barrel. In reality, it doesn’t actually do much better than
1900 fps. The 458 Lott will do an honest 2300+ fps from a 22-inch
barrel. It has been field-tested in Africa and has chalked up an
impressive number of one-shot kills on elephant and buffalo. It is
similar to the 450 Watts which is also based on the full-length
375 H&H case expanded to 458-caliber, but is shorter. Rifles
chambered for the 458 Lott will also safely shoot 458 Winchester
ammo. The 458 Lott has been adopted by A-Square as a propri¬
etary cartridge. They furnish brass, bullets, ammunition and
rifles of this caliber.
458 Lott Loading Data*
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
500 SP IMR 4320 85.0 2330 6020
500 SP IMR 4064 79.0 2230 5520
*From the Handloader’s Digest, 10th ed., p. 119.
458 Canadian Magnum
Historical Notes North American Shooting Systems (NASS)
developed this cartridge in about 1994. This cartridge features a
slightly rebated rimless bottleneck case. Design intent was provi¬
sion of maximum powder capacity in a standard action with min¬
imal gunsmithing. (Without deepening the magazine well
slightly, use of this cartridge usually reduces magazine capacity
by one round.) Bolt face alteration is not necessary. Cartridge
feeding and headspacing characteristics are improved. This par¬
ticular cartridge is factory loaded to modest pressures to provide
assurance of proper functioning in the hottest climes—a worth¬
while consideration.
General Comments This cartridge takes advantage of the
entire 3.65" magazine length of the long-action Remington M700
and similar rifles. This represents the maximum feasible bullet
size for use in this beltless case—headspace control, while ade¬
quate, is marginal with such a narrow case shoulder (one would
be well advised to avoid “Magnum-Strength” striker springs).
Body diameter is significantly larger than the standard belted-
magnum (0.544" veruse 0.513" at the base). Rechambering of
nominal belted-magnums with the same bore diameter is gener¬
ally quite simple, requiring no other rifle alterations. For any giv¬
en case length, capacity is about 15 percent greater than can be
achieved with the belted version. Body taper is minimal and the
case shoulder is comparatively sharp. However, neck length is
sufficiently generous to provide good bullet purchase for hunting
ammunition.
458 Canadian Magnum Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source/Comments
350 FL 2575 5150 NASS
500 IMR-4064 89.0 2360 6180 NASS/Maximum
2.3390
2.378
2.8300
.4850
8th Edition 225
Chapter 5
450 Dakota
Historical Notes Formerly, Dakota had based their entire
cartridge line on the 404 Jeffrey case. However, with the intro¬
duction of the 450 Dakota, that changed. Dakota’s latest addi¬
tion to their line, the 450 Dakota, uses an improved 416 Rigby
case. Design purpose was to provide a cartridge capable of dri¬
ving a 500-grain bullet at about 2400 fps with moderate cham¬
ber pressures.
General Comments Since the 450 Dakota uses an improved
full-length 416 Rigby case, capacity is substantially identical to
the 460 Weatherby Magnum. Obviously, if loaded to similar pres¬
sures, these two will produce similar ballistics. However, Dakota
does not advocate loading this cartridge to full Weatherby pres¬
sures. The logic: By slightly reducing peak pressure, one can ease
the effort of extracting a fired case. This approach also helps to
minimize pressure excursions related to use under extreme trop¬
ical heat. Since that is what this cartridge was designed for, such
an approach seems reasonable. When loaded to similar peak
pressures, the 450 Dakota can propel a 500-grain bullet about
350 fps faster than the 458 Winchester Magnum. The nominal
450 Dakota loading gives up only about 150 fps to full-power 460
Weatherby loads. If one follows Dakota’s advice, one ends up with
a load propelling a 500-grain bullet at about 2450 fps. Most dan-
gerious game experts agree that 2450 fps is nearly the perfect
muzzle velocity for maximizing terminal performance with solid
bullets. Because of its non-belted design this cartridge offers
superior functioning from a box magazine and can deliver superi¬
or accuracy. However, most would agree that recoil as a bit heavy
for a day of shooting holes in paper targets.
450 Dakota Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
400
RL-15
105.0
2732
6625
Dakota/Maximum load
400
1 MR-4064
105.0
2763
6775
Dakota/Maximum load
400
1 MR-4350
115.0
2650
6235
Dakota/Maximum load
500
H-4350
110.0
2460
6715
Dakota/Maximum load
500
1 MR-4350
110.0
2470
6770
Dakota/Maximum load
500
IMR-4831
112.0
2444
6630
Dakota/Maximum load
450 Ackley Magnum
Historical Notes The 450 Ackley Magnum was originated by
P.O. Ackley, the well-known gunsmith, ballistics experimenter
and author. It dates back to 1960 and is described on page 502 of
Mr. Ackley’s excellent book, Handbook for Shooters and Reload¬
ers. It developed a modest following during the 1960s among big
game hunters, but gradually lost out to the 458 Winchester Mag¬
num. Cases are made by necking 375 Magnum brass up to 450
and then fireforming. Recently, A-Square of Bedford, Kentucky,
has revived the 450 Ackley and can furnish brass cases, loaded
ammunition and custom rifles so chambered. Original loadings
used 300-, 400-, 500- and 600-grain Barnes bullets. However, the
new A-Square ammunition uses only the 500-grain weight in var¬
ious types.
General Comments The 450 Ackley Magnum actually uses
bullets of .458-inch diameter of which there is a good variety of
both jacketed and cast types. The cartridge gained a good reputa¬
tion on elephant and dangerous game in Africa, but is overpow¬
ered for North American big game It can be loaded down with
300- or 350-grain bullets and used in a variety of situations.
Unlike the similar 450 Watts Magnum, this chambering because
of its bottleneck design, will not safely shoot 458 Winchester Mag¬
num loads and proper headspacing is a potential problem.
450 Ackley Magnum Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
300
IMR 4198
90.0
3035
6010
P.O. Ackley
400
IMR 3031
100.0
2800
7000
P.O. Ackley
500
IMR 3031
90.0
2470
7005
P.O. Ackley
600
IMR 4320
87.0
2200
6047
P.O. Ackley
226 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
460 A-Square Short
Historical Notes The A-Square series of cartridges was de¬
signed in 1974 by Col. Arthur Alphin as a result of a hunting inci¬
dent on Cape buffalo with the 458 Winchester Magnum. Colonel
Alphin first designed the 500 A-Square with the purpose in mind
of providing maximum stoppping power. By 1977, requirements
had been identified for cartridges in ten other bullet diameters. In
order to gain more powder capacity and more power, all A-Square
cartridges were originally based on the 460 Weatherby case. The
A-Square Company of Bedford, Kentucky, offers brass and loaded
ammunition for each of the A-Square cartridges.
General Comments The 460 A-Square Short provides bet¬
ter ballistics than the 458 Winchester, but with the same
length cartridge. It would be an excellent choice for recham¬
bering a 458 Winchester. Aside from rechambering, this would
require work on the magazine well and feed ramp as well as
opening up the bolt face. This cartridge can easily push a 500-
grain bullet at velocities of 2400 fps or more. The 460 Short is
an efficient cartridge, as well as being a very accurate one.
Groups of under 1-inch at 100 yards have been reported on
numerous occasions.
460 A-Square Short Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
500 SP
IMR 4064 88.0
2385
6315
A-Square
500 SP
IMR 4895 91.0
2450
6670
A-Square
500 SP
IMR 4320 91.0
2435
6580
A-Square
470 Capstick
Historical Notes This cartridge was designed by Col. Arthur B.
Alphin and is named after the famous author and African big
game hunter, Peter Capstick. It delivers the maximum possible
power from the 375 H&H Magnum case size while retaining the
greater magazine capacity of the H&H over the Weatherby or
Rigby cartridges. The .475-inch diameter bullets deliver distinc¬
tively more shock than the 458-caliber cartridges. The 470 Cap¬
stick is designed for heavy game out to 200 yards and dangerous
game at close ranges. Trajectory is flat enough to allow taking
medium size game at ranges up to 250 yards.
General Comments The 470 Capstick was designed to deliver
500-grain bullets at a muzzle velocity of approximately 2400 fps.
It offers a muzzle energy of 6394 fpe and still retains well over
5200 fpe at 100 yards. The 470 Capstick is nearly identical in
dimensions to the 475 Ackley Magnum designed quite a few
years prior. Probably the most notable difference is the use of a
500-grain bullet in the 470 Capstick as opposed to a 600-grain
bullet in order to obtain a flatter trajectory. Peter Capstick was a
legend in his own time and did much to promote African hunting.
He certainly deserves to have a cartridge with his name on it. If
the choice were his, the author probably would have renamed the
500 A-Square in his honor.
8th Edition 227
Chapter 5
475 JDJ
Historical Notes This cartridge was designed and developed by
J.D. Jones, hence the JDJ designation on the cartridge. J.D. began
development of his series of cartridges in 1978 and they are general¬
ly fired in barrels furnished by his company known as SSK Indus¬
tries. The purpose of these cartridges is to give added range and
power to the Thompson/Center Contender pistol for the primary pur¬
pose of hunting. Some of J.D.’s cartridges have proved to be excellent
metallic silhouette cartridges. The JDJ series cartridges are relative¬
ly simple and easy to make. All of the JDJ cartridges are proprietary
and SSK neither sells reamers or has permitted the reamer maker to
duplicate any of the reamers for the JDJ series. If you desire a JDJ
cartridge, contact SSK Industries, Wintersville, OH.
General Comments The 475 JDJ is the first 475 handgun car¬
tridge. It is made by straightening out the tapered 45-70 Govern¬
ment case to a straight wall configuration. This is easily done by
expanding the neck and firing a .475-inch bullet. Cast bullets
work very well in this caliber and there are a lot of good ones
available. Standard .475-inch rifle bullets will not expand reli¬
ably. However a .475-inch diameter 500-grain bullet pushed at
1650 fps does expand. Big animals fall down quickly. J.D. Jones
has taken several buffalo with the 475. When properly loaded, it
is very impressive on animals in the 2000-pound category. It is
noticeably more effective than the 45-70 Government when
loaded correctly.
475 JDJ Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
485 Cast
IMR 3031
45.5
1292
1798
485 Cast
IMR 3031
48.5
1403
2120
500 Barnes
IMR 3031
48.5
1551
2672
Loading data from SSK Industries, Inc.
500 Whisper
Historical Notes Designed by J.D. Jones in 1993 at SSK Indus¬
tries, this chambering is based upon a shortened 460 Weatherby
Magnum case. At this writing, experimenting continues. Case
length and nominal bullet weight are not yet established. Custom
very low drag (VLD) bullets up to 900 grains have been tested.
The design intent was to create a very hard-hitting subsonic
round with superior penetration potential for use against lightly
armored vehicles.
General Comments This is a very esoteric chambering. For
proper use, it requires very expensive cutom bullets. Neverthe¬
less, ballistic consistency and accuracy are impressive. When
launched at subsonic velocities (1040 Q)s is typical for the 500
Whisper). Typical heavy VLD bullets lose velocity so slowly that
crosswinds have little effect and retained energy exceeds one-half
of muzzle energy well beyond one mile—and yes, they will travel
that far with exceedingly good accuracy!
495 A-Square
Historical Notes The A-Square series of cartridges was designed in
1974 by Col. Arthur Alphin as a result of a hunting incident with Cape
buffalo using the 458 Winchester Magnum. Colonel Alphin first
designed the 500 A-Square for the purpose of providing maximum
stopping power. By 1977, requirements had been identified for car¬
tridges in ten other bullet diameters. In order to gain more power
capacity and more power, all A-Square cartridges are based on the 460
Weatherby case. The A-Square company of Bedford, Kentucky, offers
brass and loaded ammunition for each of the A-Square cartridges.
495 A-Square Loading Data
General Comments The 495 A-Square was designed to
push 600 grain .510-inch bullets from a cartridge which
could be used in 375 Magnum length actions. Though the 495
A-Square may not have as much energy as the 460 Weather¬
by, it does have the advantage of a larger diameter bullet.
For a 50-caliber cartridge, recoil is reported as relatively low.
It has also been reported that this cartridge does well with
cast bullets.
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
600 SP IMR 4895 100.0 2275 6890 A-Square
600 SP IMR 4320 103.0 2280 6925 A-Square
228 Cartridges of the World
Proprietary Cartridges
500 A-Square
Historical Notes The A-Square series of cartridges was designed in
1974 by Col. Arthur Alphin after a hunting incident with Cape buffa¬
lo using the 458 Winchester Magnum. Colonel Alphin first designed
the 500 A-Square for the purpose of providing maximum stopping
power. By 1977, requirements have been identified for cartridges in
ten other bullet diameters. In order to gain more powder capacity and
more power, all A-Square cartridges are based on the 460 Weatherby
case. A-Square Company of Bedford, Kentucky, offers brass and
loaded ammunition for each of the A-Square cartridges.
General Comments The 500 A-Square requires a long maga¬
zine (3.77 inches, same as a 416 Rigby and 460 Weatherby). This
cartridge delivers high energy and stopping power from a bolt-
action rifle . This was Colonel Alphin’s first design in 1974 and is
based on the 460 Weatherby cartridge necked-up and blown out.
Colonel Alphin reports that this cartridge is the backbone and
main reason for the formation of the A-Square company in 1979.
In addition to custom rifles made for this caliber, A-Square makes
its own rifles chambered for this caliber. The 500 A-Square is an
excellent choice for a backup rifle and has stopping power approx¬
imately equivalent to the 577 Nitro Express. Naturally, recoil
from this cartridge can be extremely heavy. This is, without a
doubt, a heavy or dangerous game cartridge.
500 A-Square Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
600 SP
IMR 4064
104.0
2280
6925
A-Square
600 SP
IMR 4895
114.5
2460
8060
A-Square
600 SP
IMR 4320
116.5
2475
8155
A-Square
600 SP
IMR 4350
124.0
2450
8015
A-Square
577 Tyrannosaur
Historical Notes This entirely new cartridge was designed in
1993 in response to the demands of two professional African
hunting guides who had had bad experiences with lesser calibers
as backup guns with clients hunting dangerous species. There is
no secret to the design: This is the longest and largest diameter
case that will properly function through a standard size bolt-
action rifle; bullet diamter is limited by the necessity of a sufifi-
cent case shoulder to control headspace; design pressure assures
proper functioning, even in the hottest climes.
General Comments When loaded to 30-30 Winchester pres¬
sure levels, this cartridge can develop 10,000 foot pounds of muz¬
zle energy. When chambered in a 13# class rifle featuring a
properly designed stock and three mercury recoil suppressers,
recoil of the 577 Tyrannosaur is claimed to be less punishing than
Weatherby’s Mark V chambered for the much less powerful 460
WM. Nevertheless, by no means should one call this a mildly
recoiling combination. However, for those who are looking for the
ultimate in affordable repeating rifle firepower the 577 is the fac¬
tory option of choice. Case capcity is on par with the 600 N.E.
H-4831 provides startling consistency and performance. For
those who can handle the recoil generated, this likely is the best
factory option for dangerous game hunting. Price is also a consid¬
eration. Compared to purchasing a typical big-bore British double
rifle, one could buy several 577 Tyrrannosaurs, a lifetime supply
of 577 ammunition and a new 4x4 pickup to haul the lot around
in...and with leftover change!
577 Tyrannosaur Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source/Comments
750 Monolithic Solid
H-4831
180.0
2395
9550
A-Square/Maximum load
750 Monolithic Solid
RL-19
177.5
2473
10,180
A-Square/Maximum load
750 Monolithic Solid
1 MR-4350
170.0
2480
10,240
A-Square/Maximum load
750 Monolithic Solid
FL
2400
9590
A-Square
8th Edition 229
Chapter 5
Proprietary Cartridges
Rifle and Handgun
Dimensional Data
Cartridge
Case
Type
Bullet
dia.
Neck
dia.
Shoulder
dia.
Base
dia.
Rim
dia.
Case
length
Ctge.
length
Twist
Primer
226 JDJ
A
.224
.256
.410
.419
.467
1.93
_
9
LR
6mm JDJ
A
.243
.272
.415
.421
.470
1.905
2.65
V
LR
257 JDJ
A
.257
.288
.415
.421
.473
1.905
2.81
V
LR
6.5mm Whisper
C
.264
.286
.357
.372
.375
1.36
—
V
SR
6.5mm JDJ
A
.264
.293
.410
.419
.467
1.93
_
8-9
LR
6.5mm JDJx30
A
.264
.285
.409
.419
.497
2.03
—
9
LR
6.5mm JDJ #2
A
.264
.292
.450
.466?
.502
2.00
—
9
LR
270 JDJ
A
.277
.305
.415
.419
.467
1.905
2.875
10
LR
7mm Whisper
C
.284
.306
.357
.372
.375
1.36
—
V
SR
7mm JDJ
A
.284
.312
.415
.421
.473
1.905
—
9
LR
7mm-30 JDJ
A
.284
.306
.409
.419
.497
2.03
—
9
LR
7mm JDJ #2
A
.284
.313
.450
.466
.502
2.00
—
9
LR
7mm JRS
C
.284
.312
.454
.470
?
2.525
3.455
10
L
7mm Dakota
C
.284
.314
.531
.544
.544
2.50
3.33
10
LR
7mm STW
E
.284
.316
.487
.513
.532
2.85
3.65
9-9.5
LR
7mm Canadian Magnum
1
.284
.3224
.530
.544
.532
2.83
3.60
9-12
LR
7.62 Micro-Whisper
C
.308
.328
.382
.389
.392
.846
—
V
SP/SR
7.63 Mini-Whisper
C
.308
.329
.375
.381
.385
.985
—
V
SP/SR
300 Whisper
c
.308
.330
.369
.375
.375
1.50
2.575
V
SR
309 JDJ
A
.308
.335
.453
.470
.514
2.20
3.16
?
LR
30 American
A
.308
.328
.402
.422
.502
2.03
2.53
?
S
300 Phoenix
C
.308
?
?
.589
.586
2.50
3.60
?
LR
300 Dakota
C
.308
.338
.531
.544
.544
2.55
3.33
10
LR
300 Canadian Magnum
1
.308
.3417
.530
.544
.532
2.83
3.60
10
LR
300 Pegasus
c
.308
.339
.566
.580
.580
2.99
3.75
10
LR
8mm JDJ
A
.323
.356
.455
.465
.506
2.22
—
?
LR
338 Whisper
C
.338
.360
.457
.463
.466
1.47
—
V
SR
338-06
c
.338
.369
.441
.471
.473
2.494
3.34
10
LR
338 JDJ
A
.338
.365
.453
.470
.514
2.20
—
?
LR
330 Dakota
C
.338
.371
.530
.544
.544
2.57
3.32
10
LR
338 Canadian Magnum
1
.338
.369
.530
.544
.532
2.83
3.60
10-12
LR
338 A-Sqaure
E
.338
.367
.553
.582
.579
2.85
3.67
10
LR
338 Excalibur
C
.338
.371
.566
.580
.580
2.99
3.75
10
LR
358 JDJ
A
.358
.362
.453
.470
.514
.220
3.065
?
LR
358 STA
E
.358
.386
.502
.513
.532
2.85
3.65
12
LR
9.3mm JDJ
A
.366
.389
.455
.465
.506
2.22
—
?
LR
375 JDJ
A
.375
.396
.453
.470
.514
2.20
3.13
?
LR
375 JRS
E
.375
.498
.485
.535
?
2.84
3.69
12
L
375 Dakota
C
.375
.402
.529
.544
.544
2.57
3.32
10
LR
375 Canadian Maqnum
1
.375
.402
.530
.544
.532
2.83
3.60
10
LR
375 A-Square
E
.375
.405
.551
.582
.579
2.85
3.65
10
LR
411 JDJ
A
.411
.425
.455
.465
.506
2.235
—
?
LR
416 JDJ
A
.416
.430
.455
.465
.506
2.22
—
?
LR
416 Taylor
E
.416
.447
.491
.513
.532
2.50
3.34
10
LR
416 Hoffman
E
.416
.447
.491
.513
.532
2.85
3.60
10
LR
416 Dakota
C
.416
.441
.527
.544
.544
2.85
3.645
10
LR
425 Express
E
.423
.429
.490
.513
.532
2.552
3.34
10
LR
458 Whisper
F
.458
.485
—
.506
.525
1.75
—
V
LR
458 Lott
F
.458
.481
—
.513
.532
2.80
3.60
10
LR
458 Canadian Magnum
1
.458
.485
.530
.544
.532
2.83
3.60
10
LR
450 Dakota
C
.458
.485
.560
.582
.580
2.90
3.74
10
LR
450 Ackley Magnum
E
.458
.486
.503
.513
.532
2.885
3.665
10
LR
460 A-Square
K
.458
.484
.560
.582
.579
2.50
3.50
10
LR
470 Capstick
F
.475
.499
—
.513
.532
2.85
3.65
10
LR
475 JDJ
B
.475
.497
—
.502
.604
2.10
—
14
LR
495 A-Square
L
.510
.542
—
.582
.579
2.80
3.60
10
LR
500 Whisper
F
.510
.549
.563
.580
.575
V
—
V
LR
500 A-Square
K
.510
.536
.568
.582
.579
2.90
3.74
10
LR
577 Tyrannosaur
C
.585
.614
.673
.688
.688
2.99
3.71
12
LR
A—Rimmed bottleneck B—Rimmed straight C—Rimless Necked D—Rimless Straight E—Belted Bottleneck F—Belted straight G—Semi-rimmed
bottleneck I—Rebated Bottleneck J—Rebated straight
Nominal Primer Type: SP Small Pistol (.175'0, LP Large Pistol (.210"), SR Small Rifle (.175"), LR Large Rifle (.210"),** CCI-35
Other codes: V—Rifling twist varies, depending upon applications; —OAL depends upon bullet used.
230 Cartridges of the World
Chapter 6
HANDGUN
CARTRIDGES OF THE WORLD
(Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless)
IT CAN BE stated unequivocally that the United States
is the only country where the handgun has developed ful¬
ly as a sporting arm and is used for hunting as well as var¬
ious kinds of match and silhouette shooting.
This has had a profound effect on the development of
handguns and handgun cartridges in America. Shortly
after WWII, for instance, there was renewed interest in
the single-action revolver. This resulted in the introduc¬
tion of new single-action models by Sturm, Ruger & Co. In
turn, it became profitable for Colt to reintroduce their sin¬
gle-action revolver which had been considered obsolete.
Now Ruger and several other manufacturers and
importers continue the single-action tradition. Handgun
hunting was responsible for new cartridges designed pri¬
marily for field use, such as the 22 Remington Jet, 221
Remington Fire Ball, 44 Magnum, and 454 Casull. The
increasing popularity of silhouette pistol competition has
given rise to specialized types of handguns designed par¬
ticularly for this sport, as represented by the Thomp¬
son/Center Contender, Wichita Silhouette Pistol, Merrill
Sportsman (now the RPM) and a number of custom hand¬
guns based on the Remington XP-100 action and the 7mm
BR Remington cartridge. Some of these silhouette pistols
chamber cartridges that are suitable for varmint and big
game hunting.
The sporting handgun is a uniquely American innova¬
tion. Using a handgun for hunting reduces the effective
range to about 100 yards, depending on the skill of the
shooter. However, it offers the advantages of light weight
and easy portability, decided advantages in rough terrain
or heavy brush.
Handguns are divided into several types, depending on
intended use. Military and police handguns are designed
for defensive use at short range. Caliber commonly varies
from 9mm to 45. The semi-automatic pistol is preferred by
the world’s military establishments, although the revolver
is still used by some military police agencies. In recent
years, police organizations in the U.S. have switched to
the 9mm or 40 Auto, and in a some cases, the 45 automat¬
ic. Military and police handguns are usually of medium
weight and have barrels of 3 to 5 inches in length. Caliber
is mostly 9mm, 40 and 45, as represented by the 9mm
Luger, 40 S&W and 45 ACP. Off-duty or special assign¬
ment police arms are usually lighter and have shorter bar¬
rels than standard arms.
Pocket-type self-defense handguns have generally been
small, lightweight and of reduced caliber, varying from 22
to 38. Some are well made and of good manufacture; oth¬
ers are inexpensive and of lesser quality. Today, the trend
is toward pocket-type handguns chambered in the more
substancial calibers. These high-end models are often of
superior quality and capable of surprising accuracy and
dependability.
Well-made “pocket” or self-defense handguns can be
good small game and plinking guns. Handloading with
hunting-type bullets will also help adapt these to field use.
However, if one is buying a handgun primarily for hunt¬
ing, it is better to choose one made for that purpose. Tar¬
get pistols are characterized by adjustable target sights
and usually a barrel of 6 inches or so in length. Match pis¬
tols often are so specialized they are of little use for any¬
thing else.
Hunting handguns also tend to be specialized, due to
the long barrel and heavy frame. Because most also have
adjustable sights, they can be used for target shooting too.
Any handgun can be used for hunting small game at short
ranges provided its user can hit with it. Serious hunting
handguns vary in caliber from 22 to 50, depending on the
game to be hunted. Magnum calibers are preferred for big
game. Some single shot pistols such as the Thompson/
Center Contender are chambered for rifle calibers like the
30-30 and the 223 Remington.
Because handgun cartridges are limited in velocity, an
important consideration is the type of bullet used. The
semi-wadcutter, as designed by the late Elmer Keith, is
probably the best type if cast lead bullets are used. Some
of the modem jacketed handgun bullets with a large area
of exposed lead at the nose have also proven highly effec¬
tive on lighter species. Of the standard commercial car¬
tridges, only the 41 Magnum, 44 Magnum, 454 Casull, 50
8th Edition 231
Chapter 6
Action Express and 45 Winchester Magnum can be con¬
sidered adequate for big game. In competent and prac¬
ticed hands, the 357 Magnum has given a good account of
itself on deer-size animals and, in some cases, even larger
quarry. One must realize that handgun cartridges used
for big game deliver marginal ballistics for that purpose
compared to high-powered rifle cartridges. Therefore
shooter skill is particularly critical.
Some handgun cartridges have also become popular
as rifle cartridges. This includes the 357 and 44 Mag¬
nums as well as the venerable 44-40 Winchester and 45
Colt. These make a good combination for owners of
handguns in these calibers because standard factory
ammunition can then be used interchangeably in rifles
and pistols. However, most rifles can withstand much
higher pressure levels than most handguns, and hand¬
loads that are safe in a rifle may wreck a handgun of
the same caliber. Use caution and common sense when
reloading.
Handgun cartridges are divided into three major
types—those intended for automatic pistols, those to be
used in revolvers and those for single-shot pistols. Those
designed for automatic pistols are either rimless or semi-
rimmed to facilitate feeding through the clip or magazine.
Revolver cartridges are, in general, of rimmed construc¬
tion, although some revolvers have been made to handle
semi-rimmed or rimless cartridges such as the 32 ACP, 30
Carbine, 9mm Luger, 380 ACP and the 45 ACP. Single
shot pistol cartridges are often bottleneck rimmed or rim¬
less. At one time, bullets intended for revolver cartridges
were of lead and those for auto-pistol cartridges were
jacketed to facilitate feeding. At present, it is common
practice to use jacketed bullets in revolvers, particularly
for hunting, although match shooters prefer light loads
and lead bullets. Lead bullets are also used for target
loads in automatic pistols. Jacketed bullets were used in
some military revolvers since before WWI because of
international agreements.
Owing to limitations in design strength of typical
revolvers and pistols, smokeless powder didn’t improve
the performance of handgun cartridges to the extent that
it did rifle cartridges. Consequently, blackpowder car¬
tridges of medium to large caliber are almost as effective
as modem non-magnum handgun cartridges. In fact,
many “modem” handgun cartridges originated as black-
powder numbers and their performance with smokeless
powder is about the same as it was with the original
blackpowder loading.
When selecting a handgun or handgun cartridge, give
careful consideration to what the gun is to be used for.
Most individuals have a tendency to overdo it regarding
caliber, the idea being that bigger is better. While a few
experts can achieve long-range hits, most handgun hunt¬
ing is for small game or varmints at ranges of 50 yards or
less. It takes a great deal of practice before one can hit a
target with any consistency at 100 yards and beyond.
Power won’t compensate for poor marksmanship, so it is
best to start with something you can handle and move up
to a larger caliber after proficiency has improved. Remem¬
ber, the average person must expend hundreds of rounds
to develop proficiency with a 22 rimfire pistol, and it takes
even more practice with larger calibers.
The 22 Long Rifle rimfire is probably the most popular
handgun caliber, followed by the 38 Special and 9mm
Luger among the centerfires. The 22 rimfire is adequate
for small game at close ranges and can serve as a house
gun for home protection. The 38 Special has the advan¬
tage of being reloadable, and by choosing loads it is possi¬
ble to regulate the power to cover shooting situations from
very light target loads to full-power self-defense or field
loads. For serious self-defense, the 38 Special and the 380
ACP are considered minimum. The 38 Special and the 357
Magnum are probably the most widely-used revolver cal¬
ibers with the 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 ACP the most popu¬
lar pistol calibers. For match competition, the 22 rimfire,
38 Special and 45 ACP lead the pack.
For silhouette shooting, a whole new generation of
handgun cartridges has evolved and most of these are
wildcats or proprietary cartridges. They are fired in
unconventional handguns with long barrels of 10 to 16
inches, single shot actions mounted with scope sights.
Most silhouette pistols no longer fit the usual handgun
image. It has been interesting following developments in
the silhouette field to see where all this will lead. Some of
the wildcat cartridges designed for this sport have become
standardized commercial items. Remington introduced a
version of their XP-100 designed for silhouette shooting
and chambered for a 7mm cartridge based on the
308x1V 2 -inch case necked down. Originally, Remington
produced only the cases and the pistols. However, the
7mm BR Remington cartridge has emerged as standard
loaded ammunition.
232 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
2.7mm Kolibri Auto
Historical Notes The 2.7mm Kolibri Auto is the smallest com¬
mercially manufactured centerfire pistol cartridge. It was used in
the equally-small Kolibri semi-auto pistol introduced about 1914.
There was also a single shot parlor-type pistol chambered for the
round. The Kolibri automatic is of conventional blowback design.
The cartridge has been obsolete for many years and is a collec¬
tor’s item.
General Comments Small pistols and miniature cartridges
may have some value for indoor target practice, but have no oth¬
er practical use. The tiny 2.7mm Kolibri jacketed bullet is of .105-
inch to .108-inch diameter and weighs about 3 grains. Actual
ballistics are unknown, but muzzle velocity is estimated to be 650
to 700 fps. This would develop an energy of only 3 foot pounds.
When you consider that the 25 ACP develops 73 fps at the muz¬
zle, you can see what a pipsqueak this cartridge is. However, it is
by no means a toy. It is claimed that the bullet will penetrate IV 2
inches of pine, which is sufficient to inflict a serious wound at
close range. It should be treated with the same respect accorded
any firearm. The 2.7mm Kolibri could not be considered a
humane caliber for hunting anything. However, it might do to
dispatch a trapped mouse or eliminate an overly-aggressive cock¬
roach. It is not practical to reload these small cartridges.
2.7mm Kolibri Auto Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV
3 FMJ FL 650-700
ME Source
2.8-3.25 Vel. approx, only
3mm Kolibri
EES*
General Comments There is some confusion surrounding the
3mm Kolibri. Some say it is the same as the 2.7mm Kolibri, but
physical measurements disprove this. The bullet and case are
larger in diameter than the 2.7mm round. In addition, 3mm
rounds have lead bullets, while 2.7mm cartridges use a jacketed
projectile. Power and general characteristics would be about the
same as the 2.7, which is listed above.
4.25mm Liliput Auto
Historical Notes Another of the miniature European auto-pis¬
tol cartridges, this 4.25mm (17-caliber) cartridge was used in the
German Liliput pistol introduced in 1920 and this name stuck to
it. However, this cartridge actually originated in Austria about
1913-14 for the Erika auto pistol. Thus it is sometimes referred to
as the 4.25mm Erika. Both gun and cartridge have been obsolete
for many years.
General Comments The 4.25mm round is of greater power
than the 2.7 or 3mm Kolibri, but that still doesn’t mean it is much
of a cartridge. With a 12- to 15-grain bullet and a muzzle velocity
of around 800 fps it develops only 17 foot pounds muzzle energy,
still way below the 25 ACFs 73 fps. It could not be considered
effective for serious self-defense or any kind of hunting. However,
it would kill rats or mice at short range. As with all these minia¬
ture cartridges, it is potentially dangerous and could inflict a seri¬
ous wound at short range. Its principal use would be for indoor
target practice. Ammunition is scarce and too expensive to shoot
in quantity anyway. It is not reloadable.
4.25mm Liliput Auto Factory Ballistics _
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
12-15 FL 800 17-21.3 Vel. approx, only
8th Edition 233
Chapter 6
5mm Clement Auto
Historical Notes The 5mm Clement cartridge originated in
Spain during 1897 for the obscure Charola-Anitua auto pistol. In
1903, the Belgian-made Clement auto pistol was adapted to the
round and this resulted in the change of name. The cartridge is
listed in the 1904 and 1934 DWM catalog (No. 484) and was
loaded in Germany until about 1938. It was replaced by the more
effective 25 ACP.
General Comments The Clement auto pistol was well made
and fairly popular in Europe. The 5mm cartridge is of bottle¬
necked type and the 36-grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of 1030
fps. Because of the high velocity, it develops slightly greater ener¬
gy than the 25 ACP. However, it is not a more effective cartridge.
Like the 25 ACP, it is not entirely satisfactory for self-defense and
unsuitable for hunting anything but rats, mice, sparrows or sim¬
ilar pests. It is now a collectors’ item and ammunition is far too
expensive to shoot.
5mm Clement Auto Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
36 FMJ_FL 1030 78 DWM factory load
5mm Bergmann
Historical Notes Cartridge for the obsolete Bergmann No. 2 auto
pistol introduced in 1894 and produced commercially from 1896
until about 1900. The cartridge is listed in the 1904 DWM catalog
(No. 416A), but not in the 1934 issue. It has been obsolete since
around 1930, being replaced by the 6.35mm Browning (25 ACP).
General Comments The 5mm Bergmann has a straight,
tapered, rimless case. It is of .20- to .21-inch diameter and was
available with a 37-grain lead or 34-grain full-metal cased or soft-
point bullet. According to White and Munhall, muzzle velocity is
just a little under 600 fps. Muzzle energy would be about 30 foot
pounds or less than half that of the 25 ACP. Obviously not a very
potent round. The cartridge has little practical value except for
indoor target practice. As originally manufactured, the cartridge
had no rim or extractor groove, but after a short time the extrac¬
tor groove was added. This is another collector’s cartridge, much
too expensive to shoot.
5mm Bergmann Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
34 FMJ
FL
600
27
37 Lead
FL
600
30
5.45x18mm Soviet
Historical Notes This modem pistol cartridge was developed in
the Soviet Union in the 1970s for the PSM compact semi-auto¬
matic pistol. Its design follows Soviet tradition in that the case is
bottlenecked and the bullet caliber is the same as the service rifle
(the 5.45mm AK-74). The case length and overall loaded length
are similar to the 9mm Makarov cartridge, however, the base and
rim diameter of the 5.45x18mm Soviet is smaller. Thus far, Rus¬
sia is the only country to have adopted this caliber and the PSM
pistol for it.
General Comments The concept behind this cartridge is
unknown. By Western standards this cartridge is a very poor
choice for self-defense. Muzzle energy is about the same as the
22 Long Rifle. However, a key to its purpose may be bullet con¬
struction which consists of a gilding metal jacket around a
two-piece core consisting of a steel front half and a lead rear
half. If penetration is the purpose, then this bullet should
prove effective against body armor. Beyond this, it seems to
have little use.
It is one of the few new calibers to enter production in Russia
for many years. Manufactured only in the Commonwealth of
Independent States, cases are normally lacquered steel with a
Berdan primer. Bullet diameter is about .210-inch.
5.45x18mm Soviet Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
40 FMJ FL 1034 95 Factory load
234 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
22 Remington Jet
Historical Notes The 22 Remington Jet, also known as the 22 Cen¬
ter Fire Magnum, was introduced jointly by Remington and Smith &
Wesson. The former developed the cartridge, the latter the revolver.
The first news of this cartridge “leaked” out in 1959, but production
revolvers and ammunition were not available until 1961. The S&W
Model 53 revolver is the only revolver ever to chamber this cartridge,
and it was discontinued in 1971. The 22 Jet grew out of popular wild¬
cat handgun cartridges such as the Harvey 22 Kay-Chuk and others
based on the altered 22 Hornet case. However, the 22 Jet is actually
based on a necked down 357 Magnum case. Marlin once offered the
Model 62 lever-action rifle for the 22 Jet and the H&R Topper and
Thompson/Center Contender also offered it for a time.
General Comments The 22 Jet is strictly a hunting number
intended to provide high velocity and flat trajectory in the field.
The M53 revolver will also fire regular 22 Long Rifle ammunition
by use of supplemental steel cartridge chamber inserts and an
adjustable firing pin. This cartridge has ample performance for
small game at ranges out to 100 yards, for those who can shoot a
revolver that well.
When first announced, most gun writers praised the fantastic
performance. A muzzle velocity of 2460 fps was supposed to be
developed in an 8 V 2 -inch barrel. Chronographed tests by various
individuals, including this author, indicated an actual velocity of
only around 2000 fps in this length barrel. Quite a come down,
but it is still a good cartridge. The S&W Model 53 in 22 Jet was
discontinued due to problems with the cylinder locking up when
firing full-powered loads. The 22 Jet is no longer manufactured
by Remington or other commercial manufacturers.
22 Remington Jet Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
40 HP
2400 10.5
1800
288
Homady, Sierra
45 SP
2400 12.8
1700
288
Homady, Sierra
40 HP
FL
2460
535
Factory load
Cartridges and cylinder must be free of grease or oil to prevent setback of case when fired.
I
378 "
221 Remington Fireball
Historical Notes This cartridge was introduced early in 1963 for
the Remington XP-100 bolt action, a single shot pistol based on a
shortened, lightened 700 series rifle action. TTie pistol had a
streamlined nylon-plastic stock, ventilated barrel rib and ad¬
justable sights. This is the first handgun made by Remington
since their pocket automatics were discontinued back in 1935. The
Thompson/Center Contender was also available in 221 Reming¬
ton but has since been dropped. Remington was the only source
for 221 Fireball ammunition. It is still available from that source.
General Comments The 221 Fireball follows the modern
design in 22 -caliber high-velocity pistol cartridges for small game
and varmint hunting at long range. The rimless case is a short¬
ened version of the 222 Remington. The cartridge is well adapted
to rifles as well as pistols. The bullet is designed for quick expan¬
sion on small animals and is very deadly at all practical ranges.
The XP-100 pistol has a 10 -inch barrel and is intended for scope
use. It is capable of 100 -yard groups as small as an inch or less
when fitted with a scope and fired from a rest. It is much more
powerful than the older 22 Remington Jet used in the S&W 22
WMR revolver. Muzzle energy of the 221 Fireball is greater than
the 357 Magnum. Despite caliber designation, .224-inch is proper
bullet diameter.
221 Remington Fire Ball Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
50 SP
1 MR 4198
17
2610
755
Speer, Homady, Sierra, Nosier
50 SP
1 MR 4227
15.5
2600
750
Speer, Homady, Sierra, Nosier
55 SP
1 MR 4198
16
2400
704
Speer, Homady, Nosier
50 SP
FL
2650
780
Remington factory load
8th Edition 235
Chapter 6
5.5mm Velo Dog Revolver*
Historical Notes Introduced in 1894 for the “Velo Dog” revolver,
manufactured by Galand of Paris. It derives its name from the
French word “velocycle” meaning roughly “bicycle.” Later, a num¬
ber of Belgian and German revolvers also chambered the round.
The cartridge was loaded in the U.S. by Peters, Remington and
Winchester up until about 1940. However, no American company
made a gun for it. Fiocchi of Italy still loads this caliber.
General Comments The 5.5mm Velo Dog is a centerfire 22 of
slightly less power than the 22 Long Rifle rimfire. It bears some
resemblance to the obsolete 22 Extra Long Maynard centerfire rifle
cartridge. However, it is easy to distinguish them by the head
markings and because the 5.5mm has a metal cased bullet. The
Velo Dog revolver was designed for cyclists to shoot pursuing dogs.
This was a unique period in history. Can you imagine what would
happen today if some cyclist shot a dog! The cartridge became obso¬
lete because it is ballistically inferior to the popular 22 Long Rifle.
♦There is some uncertainty as to the proper designation for this cartridge.
There is also a loading called the 5.75 Velo Dog which may be the correct
name for this cartridge.
5.5mm Velo Dog Revolver Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
45FMJ FL 750 55 Fiocchi factory load
25 (6.35mm) Automatic (25 ACP)
Historical Notes This cartridge was introduced in the United
States in 1908 with the Browning-designed, Colt-manufactured,
25 Vest Pocket Automatic pistol. It was introduced in Europe a
few years earlier in the F.N. Baby Browning, which is practically
identical to the Colt. The design of these two pistols has been
copied by manufacturers all over the world. Literally dozens of
different pistols have used this cartridge. The original Browning
is still made (for European consumption), but Colt did not resume
manufacture of their Vest Pocket model after WWII. American
Arms, Beretta, Iver Johnson, Jennings, Lorcin, Phoenix Arms,
Sundance, Taurus, Ortgies, Astra, Star and Walther have all
made pistols in this caliber.
General Comments The 25 Automatic has fairly high veloci¬
ty for such a small cartridge. However, the energy it delivers at
any range is quite low. This, combined with the full-metal jack¬
eted bullet, adds up to very poor stopping or killing power on
anything. The 25 Auto is not powerful enough for hunting any¬
thing but pests, nor is it adequate for serious self-defense. How¬
ever, the 25 auto caliber pistols are popular because of their
small size and low cost. Their principal usefulness is as a threat,
because no one wants to get shot if it can be avoided, even with
the little 25. Recently Winchester introduced a hollowpoint load
in an effort to improve terminal ballistics. ( Editor’s Note: One
important fact not often considered or conveyed is that the 25
ACP does provide superior functioning in typical concealahle
pistols, compared to any rimfire chambering. Also in spite of
being very underpowered, it does beat throwing rocks and can
disable or kill .)
25 (6.35mm) Automatic (25 ACP) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
50 FMJ
Bullseye 1.2
810
73
Homady, Sierra
45JHP
FL
815
66
New Winchester load
50 FMJ
FL
760
64
236 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
256 Winchester Magnum
Historical Notes The 256 Winchester Magnum handgun car¬
tridge was announced in 1960. However, no arms were available
until late in 1962 and most of these were not on the market in
quantity before 1963. The Marlin Model 62 lever-action rifle was
the first rifle officially announced for the cartridge. This was fol¬
lowed by a new Ruger single shot pistol named the “Hawkeye,”
which made the scene ahead of the Marlin. The Ruger “Hawk-
eye” was discontinued in 1966 and the Marlin 62 was dropped a
few years later. The 256 Magnum is based on the 357 Magnum
case necked-down to accept .257-inch diameter bullets. I under¬
stand some difficulty developed trying to design a revolver for this
cartridge due to the cylinder gap and high pressure. The Ruger
“Hawkeye” has a completely enclosed breech. Thompson/Center
single shot pistols were also available in this caliber.
General Comments Fired in the Ruger “Hawkeye” with its
enclosed breech and 8 V 2 -inch barrel, the 256 Magnum develops
an average muzzle velocity of about 2360 fps. From a 24-inch rifle
barrel muzzle velocity is over 2800 fps—this, with the 60-grain
SP bullet originally loaded by Winchester. When first announced,
the velocity was listed as 2200 fps, as the factory used a test bar¬
rel shorter than 8 V 2 inches. Although similar to the old 25-20 car¬
tridge, the 256 has greater powder capacity, is loaded to higher
pressures and therefore gives superior performance. When used
in a rifle, many shooters prefer a 75- or 85-grain bullet. The 256
Magnum should be an excellent varmint and small game round
at close ranges. In a rifle, it would be effective out to 200 or 225
yards, or so. See the 18th Edition of Gun Digest for an excellent
report on the 256—the shooting of it, etc., by Yard and Helbig.
Winchester was the only source of ammunition in this caliber.
Though Winchester ceased production of this caliber in the early
1990s, cases are easily formed from 357 Magnums so the hand-
loader has no problem.
256 Winchester Magnum Handgun Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
60 SP
2400 14.6
2300
705
Homady
60 SP
H-4227 16
2300
705
Homady
75 SP
2400 13
2000
668
Homady
60 SP
FL
2200
650
Winchester factory load
6.5mm Bergmann
Historical Notes Another in the series of cartridges
developed by Bergmann in the 1894-96 period, the 6.5mm
round is listed in the 1904 DWM catalog (#413A), but by
1934 had been dropped. Theodor Bergmann designed a
number of special cartridges for his auto pistols. They
ranged from 5 to 11 mm in diameter and practically all of
them were obsolete by about 1930. The original version of
the 6 . 5 mm was both rimless and grooveless, but because of
the problem of extracting an unfired or dud cartridge, was
soon altered to standard rimless design. The more popular
Bergmann cartridges were loaded in England as well as on
the continent.
General Comments The 6.5mm Bergmann cartridge is a
necked, rimless-type that looks very powerful, but really isn’t. It
is actually less powerful than the 32 ACP. While not an entirely
adequate self-defense round, it could be used for shooting small
pests or birds. It is more powerful than the 25 ACP. However,
ammunition is scarce and expensive, so no one is likely to do
much shooting with it anyway. The 6.5mm Bergmann is one of
the few pistol cartridges in 6.5mm caliber.
6.5mm Bergmann Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
65-88 FMJ FL 780 94 Factory ballistics
8th Edition 237
Chapter 6
7mm Nambu
Historical Notes This unusual pistol cartridge was manufac¬
tured only in Japan for the Japanese “Baby” Nambu semi-auto
pistol, which was introduced about 1920. It was not an official
Japanese military cartridge, but was specially made for high-
ranking officers required to purchase their own sidearms. The
7mm Nambu pistol is a scaled-down version of the original mod¬
el Nambu, which was developed about 1904. The 7mm Nambu
pistol was something of a mystery until after WWII, when quan¬
tities were brought back by returning GIs. The 7mm Nambu car¬
tridge is a collector’s item and the pistols are scarce.
General Comments By Western standards, the 7mm Nambu
would not be considered an adequate self-defense cartridge. For
sporting use, it would be effective only on small game or birds. The
pistol has a seven-shot magazine, 3V 4 -inch barrel, weighs only 16
ounces, and is extremely well made and of good material and fin¬
ish. The 1963 (17th) edition of Gun Digest includes an article by
Roy D. Strengholt that covers the 7mm Nambu pistol and cartridge
in considerable detail. The 7mm Nambu is unusual in that it is one
of the very few pistol cartridges to use a 7mm (.283-inch) diameter
bullet.
7mm Nambu Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
56 FMJ FL
*Approximate
MV ME Source
1250* 196* Factory ballistics
7mm Bench Rest Remington
Historical Notes Originally not a cartridge, but a chambering
for the Remington Model XP-100 Silhouette target pistol, the
7mm BR has graduated to a full-fledged commercial cartridge. It
has also become a rifle as well as a pistol round. It is based on the
308xlV2-inch Barnes case necked-down to 7mm caliber. Original¬
ly the cartridge was made by shortening and necking-down the
Remington BR case, a special 308 Winchester case with a Small
Rifle primer pocket made especially for this purpose. Mike Walk¬
er of Remington was instrumental in developing the 7mm BR.
The idea is not new because the British had developed a simi¬
lar, although slightly longer, cartridge as an experimental mili¬
tary round as early as 1945. Also, more than one person has
necked the 308x1Winch case down to 7mm. Elgin Gates worked
with a similar cartridge in 1952. The Remington BR line of car¬
tridges originated, according to company literature, in 1978.
There is also a 22 BR and a 6mm BR covered elsewhere in this
book. This cartridge was designed to provide an out-of-the-box sil¬
houette cartridge with ballistics calculated to strike the best bal¬
ance for accuracy, velocity and bullet weight to hit and knock
down the metal targets.
General Comments External dimensions of the Remington
308 BR case are identical to the 308 Winchester. However, the
walls are thinner and are annealed to facilitate reforming, and
the primer pocket is sized for the Small Rifle primer. The ballis¬
tics of the factory cartridge are a 140-grain bullet at a muzzle
velocity of 2215 fjps and 1525 fpe. This was registered from a 15-
inch barrel. It would probably do better in a longer barrel. These
short lV 2 -inch cartridges develop their maximum velocity in a rel¬
atively short barrel, usually about 16 to 18 inches.
The 7mm BR would be a good medium-range varmint and
short-range deer cartridge. It can not be improved to any extent
by handloading since the standard factory load is about tops for
the 140-grain bullet. Remington currently is the only source for
this caliber.
7mm Bench Rest Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100
W-748
34
2400
1279
Sierra, Homady
120
748
32
2300
1410
Sierra, Hornady
130
H-322
27
2100
1277
Sierra, Speer, Nosier
140
748
30
2150
1450
Sierra, Homady, Speer
150
H-335
28
2000
1333
Sierra, Speer, Nosier
160
748
28
2000
1421
Sierra, Hornady, Speer
140
FL
2215
1525
Remington factory load
238 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
7.62mm Russian Nagant Revolver
Historical Notes The military revolver cartridge adopted by Rus¬
sia in 1895 and used in the Nagant and Pieper revolvers, which were
both seven-shot designs as opposed to the usual six. The Nagant
design is unique in that when the hammer is cocked, the cylinder
moves forward over the barrel shank to form a gas seal. The gain in
velocity from this arrangement is significant. However, no other
revolver has ever used this ingenious, though complicated, system.
General Comments Russian Nagant revolvers have been sold
in moderate quantities in the U.S., but are more a collector’s item
than a practical weapon. Ammunition in shooting quantities is
difficult to find, but can be made from 32-20 Winchester cases,
which are very similar. Power and effectiveness are about the
same as the 32 S&W Long. Most versions of the cartridge have
the bullet seated completely inside the case. Velocity of the 108-
grain FMJ flat-nose bullet in the Nagant revolver is about 1100
fps, but the conventional Pieper revolver delivers only 725 fps.
Bullet diameter is .295-inch. Both guns and ammunition are still
in production in Russia. Fiocchi manufactures this cartridge.
7.62 Russian Nagant Revolver Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
98 FMJ
FL
750
122
Fiocchi factory load
108 FMJ
FL
725
125
Factory load—Pieper revolver
108 FMJ
FL
1100
290
Factory load—Nagant revolver
115 Cast
Bullseye 3.0
800
165
Lyman#31144166
7.65mm Roth-Sauer
Historical Notes The 7.65mm Roth-Sauer originated in 1901
as one of the calibers for the Frommer pocket-type auto pistol.
About 1905, the Roth-Sauer pistol was adapted to a reduced load¬
ing of the Frommer cartridge. Due to the popularity of the Roth-
Sauer pistol, the name became attached to the cartridge.
Winchester loaded the round during the 1920s, but it has been
obsolete since 1930.
General Comments The eight-shot Roth-Sauer pistol was a
compact pocket, or self-defense, type. Despite the low power of the
cartridge, the pistol had a complicated long-recoil locked breech.
The 7.65mm Roth-Sauer cartridge looks like the 32 ACP, but has
a shorter case and a bullet of slightly smaller diameter, (.301-
inch). The 70- to 74-grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of 1070 fps,
which means it develops a bit more energy than the 32 ACP.
Regardless, both are in the same class and there isn’t much dif¬
ference to get excited about. It is possible to make 7.65mm R-S
ammo from 32 ACP cases by turning down the rim, shortening
and reforming.
7.65mm Roth-Sauer Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV
70-74 FMJ FL 1070
ME Source
184 Factory load
8th Edition 239
Chapter 6
7.62x25mm Russian Tokarev
Historical Notes The 7.62x25mm Tokarev was the official Soviet
pistol cartridge adopted in 1930 for the Tokarev Model TT-30 and
modified Model TT-33 automatic pistols. The pistols are a basic
Browning-type design similar to the Colt 45 auto pistol. However,
they incorporate many original features to simplify manufacturing
processes and must be considered an advance over the original
Browning patent. These pistols often have a crude finish, but are
well made and of excellent design. They have a 4V 2 -inch barrel and
a magazine capacity of eight rounds. Large quantities have been
sold as military surplus. Some were made in Communist China
and Hungary, as well as in Russia. The Hungarian-made Tokarev,
in a modified form called the Tokagypt, is chambered for the 9mm
Parabellum cartridge. The Chinese began exporting both pistols
and ammunition to the U.S. in 1987 at very reasonable prices.
General Comments The cartridge is very similar in dimension
to the 7.63mm (30) Mauser and most brands of Mauser ammuni¬
tion can be fired in the Tokarev pistol. The 7.62mm Tokarev is a
fair field cartridge for small game with good velocity and flat tra¬
jectory, but needs softpoint bullets for maximum effectiveness.
Loading data for the 7.63 Mauser can be used. The Speer 30-cal¬
iber plinker bullet of 100 grains makes a good hunting bullet, but
because it is slightly heavier than the standard weight, it must be
loaded to lower velocity.
Chinese or Russian ammunition is steel cased and Berdan
primed with corrosive primers. Such ammunition is not reload¬
able. Recently, Hansen Cartridge has imported quantities of
7.62x25mm ammunition with a reloadable case and non-corro¬
sive Boxer primers.
7.62x25 Russian Tokarev Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV
86 Bullseye 5.0 1390
87FMJ FL 1390
ME Source
365 Duplicate Factory Ball
365 Factory load
30 (7.65mm) Borchardt
Historical Notes Also known as the 7.65mm Borchardt, this is
the cartridge for the Model 1893 Borchardt auto pistol. The car¬
tridge and pistol were designed by American Hugo Borchardt, but
were manufactured by Loewe in Berlin. The 30 Borchardt is fist¬
ed in the 1905 and 1918-19 Remington catalogs and was loaded
here for a number of years.
General Comments The 30 Borchardt is the predecessor of
the 7.63 (30) Mauser, 7.65mm Mannlicher and 7.62x25mm
Russian Tokarev. They all have similar physical measure¬
ments, but the modern rounds are loaded to higher pressures
and velocity than the original Borchardt cartridge. The 30
Borchardt fired an 85-grain bullet at 1280 fps, whereas the 30
Mauser fires an 86-grain bullet at from 1410 to 1450 fps. Mod¬
ern ammunition should not he used in the Borchardt or
Mannlicher pistols. Borchardt cartridges are now scarce col¬
lectors items and should not be fired.
30 (7.65mm) Borchardt Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
85 FMJ _FL_1280_312 Factory load
7.63mm (7.65) Mannlicher
Historical Notes This straight-walled rimless cartridge was
used in the Model 1900,1901 and 1905 Mannlicher military auto¬
matic pistols. They were manufactured by Steyr in Austria and
were also made in Spain. Austrian guns are well made and fin¬
ished, but the Spanish types are sometimes of doubtful quality.
These pistols were common military surplus items in the 1950s.
Some dealers also had ammunition.
General Comments The 1900 and slightly-modified 1901 and
1905 Mannlicher pistols operate on the delayed blowback system.
The non-detachable magazine is in the grip and holds eight
(1905, 10) rounds. They are loaded from the top by means of a
special charger, after retracting the slide. The 7.63 cartridge is
only slightly more powerful than the 32 ACP, and its use in the
field would have to be confined to small game. There is also a
locked-breech Model 1903 Mannlicher auto pistol that fires a car¬
tridge similar to the bottlenecked 7.63 Mauser, only not so heav¬
ily loaded. The standard Mauser cartridge must not be fired in
these Model 1903 pistols, as that will quickly damage the action.
7.63 (7.65) Mannlicher Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
86
Unique 3.2
1000
193
Mauser bullet
85 FMJ
FL
1025
201
Factory load
240 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
30 (7.65x21 mm) Luger
Historical Notes Introduced in 1900 by Deutsche Waffen u.
Munitions Fabriken in Germany, the 7.65mm was designed by
Georg Luger for the Luger automatic pistol. The cartridge is still
used chiefly in the Luger pistol, although some SIG, Beretta
M951 Browning Hi-Power, Ruger P89 and Walther P.38 pistols
are chambered for this round. It was adopted as standard issue
by the Swiss, Brazilian, Bulgarian and Portugese armies, but
none of them currently issue it for front line service.
General Comments This is another rimless, bottlenecked car¬
tridge, similar to the 30 Mauser, but shorter and not quite as
powerful. It is not noted for great stopping power because of the
small-diameter, lightweight, full-jacketed bullet. It is used occa¬
sionally for small game hunting and will do a fair job on rabbits
and the like, provided the bullets are properly placed. The only
manufacturer still offering this cartridge is Winchester. Bullet
diameter is .308-inch.
30 (7.65x21 mm, 7.65mm) Luger Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
93
Unique 5
1115
257
Lyman Dup. fact. ball.
100
Unique 4.8
1210
325
Speer plinker
93 FMJ
FL
1220
305
Factory load
30 (7.63x25mm) Mauser
Historical Notes The 30 Mauser cartridge was developed by
American gun designer Hugo Borchardt for the first successful
commercial, automatic pistol of the same name. The Borchardt
pistol was made by Ludwig Loewe & Co. (later DWM) of Berlin,
Germany. Both pistol and cartridge were introduced in 1893. The
Borchardt automatic pistol was later redesigned and emerged as
the well-known Luger pistol. This cartridge was adopted by Paul
Mauser for his famous Model 1896 pistol with increased power
for his more rugged design. It has been used mainly in the
Mauser M1896 military automatic pistol and various imitations
or copies manufactured in Spain and China.
General Comments Until the 357 Magnum cartridge came
along, the 30 Mauser was the high-velocity champion of the pistol
world. It has a flat trajectory that makes long-range hits possi¬
ble, but lacks stopping power because of the fight, full-jacketed
bullet. However, it has been used successfully for hunting small
game and varmints at moderate ranges. If handloaded with soft-
point or hollowpoint hunting bullets, its performance can be
improved a good deal. At one time, both Remington and Win¬
chester loaded this caliber, but it has been dropped. Fresh sup¬
plies of this caliber are being imported from Portugal by Century
International Arms.
30 (7.63x25mm) Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
86 FMJ
Bullseye 4.5
1160
257
Lyman
86 FMJ
Unique 6.0
1230
289
Lyman
86 FMJ
FL
1410
375
Factory load
35 Smith & Wesson Auto/35 Automatic » « ■ —xy ♦
Historical Notes Smith & Wesson introduced this cartridge and
a new auto pistol in 1913. The S&W pistol is the only one that ever
chambered this cartridge. It was discontinued (in 35 S&W caliber)
in 1921. The pistol was based on designs of the Belgian, C. P.
Clement. Commercial ammunition was loaded until about 1940.
General Comments The 35 S&W Auto is actually a 32-caliber
cartridge and is similar to the 32 ACP. In fact, it is possible to fire
32 ACP ammo in some 35 semi-auto pistols. The caliber designa¬
tion was probably to prevent confusion with the 32 ACP. Howev¬
er, it has created more confusion than it prevented. The 32 ACP is
a better cartridge and Smith & Wesson eventually chambered
their pistol for this more popular round.
35 Smith & Wesson Auto Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
76 FMJ
Bullseye 1.6
809
110
Duplicate factory load
76 FMJ
FL
809
110
Factory load
8th Edition 241
Chapter 6
32 (7.65mm) Automatic/32 ACP
Historical Notes Designed by John Browning for his first suc¬
cessful automatic pistol, this cartridge was first manufactured by
FN in Belgium, and introduced in 1899. It was marketed in the
U.S. when Colt turned out a pocket automatic on another Brown¬
ing patent in 1903. The 32 Automatic is one of the more popular
pistol cartridges ever developed. Colt, Remington, Harrington &
Richardson, S&W, and Savage made pistols for this cartridge in
the U.S. In Europe, every company that made automatic pistols
chambered the 32 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol). It was also used
in the German Pickert revolver. In Europe, it is known as the
7.65mm Browning, while in the U.S. it is designated 32 Auto or
32 ACP.
General Comments This caliber uses a semi-rimmed cartridge
case and a .308-inch diameter bullet. The 32 ACP is the mini¬
mum caliber that can be seriously considered for self-defense. In
the United States, it is used exclusively for small pocket-type
guns and is not considered adequate for police or military use.
However, in Europe it is often used in police pistols and as an
alternate but unofficial caliber for military sidearms. As a hunt¬
ing cartridge, it is not powerful enough for anything larger than
small game.
Loading tables generally give the bullet diameter of the 32
ACP as .312-inch or .314-inch. It is actually closer to .308-inch,
and this is important if you handload. Effective small game loads
can be made by using 100-grain 30-caliber rifle bullets intended
for fight loads and pfinking, such as the Speer 30-caliber “Plink-
er.” All major ammunition makers offer this caliber. Winchester
recently introduced a load with a jacketed hollowpoint bullet.
32 (7.65mm) Automatic/32 ACP Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
71 FMJ
Bullseye 2.2
800
100
Sierra, Homady
71 FMJ
700X 2.0
850
114
Sierra, Homady
60JHP
FL
970
125
Winchester factory load
71 FMJ
FL
905
129
Factory load
74 FMJ/JSP
FL
Early Factory Load
7.65mm MAS (French)
Historical Notes A military cartridge used in the French Mod¬
el 1935A and 35-S auto pistols and Model 1938 submachine gun.
It was replaced in 1950 by the 9mm Parabellum (Luger) car¬
tridge. However, it is still used to a limited extent by French
police. Quite a few of these pistols have been sold on the surplus
market in the U.S. They are of Colt-Browning-type design, but do
not have the grip safety.
General Comments The 7.65mm French MAS pistol cartridge
must not be confused with the 7.65mm Luger or 7.65mm Brown¬
ing Long cartridges. The 7.65mm MAS has an elongated, 19.8mm
straight case. It is slightly more powerful than the 32 ACP, but
not sufficiently so to make it anything but a small game number
for field use. For self-defense, it would be a little better than the
32 ACP. For handloading, any 30-caliber bullet of up to 100
grains can be used. This caliber was manufactured only in French
and Vietnamese arsenals. It will be found with both steel and
brass cases. It is no longer in regular production, although small
lots of newly made ammunition will be encountered.
7.65mm MAS (French) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
77
Unique 3.6
1100
206
Lyman#311252
85 FMJ
FL
1120
240
Factory load
242 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
32 Smith & Wesson
Historical Notes Designed for the Smith & Wesson Model IV 2 ,
hinged-frame, single-action revolver introduced in 1878, the 32
S&W is an old and very popular cartridge, widely used in the
United States and in Europe for low-priced, pocket-type
revolvers. Originally a blackpowder cartridge, it has been loaded
with smokeless powder exclusively since 1940. In the U.S., Colt,
Harrington & Richardson, Hopkins & Allen, Iver Johnson, Smith
& Wesson and others have made revolvers for this cartridge. In
England, Webley & Scott made revolvers for it and in Europe the
Bayard and Pickert revolvers chambered it. The original loading
used 9 grains of blackpowder.
General Comments The 32 Smith & Wesson probably ranks
along with the 32 ACP in general popularity, and for the same
reason. It is low powered and adaptable to small, light, cheap,
pocket-type handguns. Ballistically it is not quite as good as the
32 ACP. It is very similar to the 32 Short Colt, but the two are not
interchangeable due to a difference in bullet and case diameter.
Like the 32 ACP, the 32 S&W is about the minimum caliber for
self-defense. It is considered inadequate for police work. It is used
occasionally for hunting small game at very short ranges, but is
too underpowered for consideration as a sporting cartridge. This
caliber is still loaded by Remington and Winchester.
32 Smith & Wesson Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
85 Lead
Fg 9
680
90
Factory load (Black)
85 Lead
Bullseye 1.1
705
93
98 Lead
FL
705
115
Factory load (Smokeless)
32 Smith & Wesson Long
32 Colt New Police
32-44 Target
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed for the Smith &
Wesson, First Model, solid-frame, hand-ejector revolver intro¬
duced in 1903. The same cartridge with a flat nose bullet is the 32
Colt New Police. Colt, Harrington & Richardson, Iver Johnson
and Smith & Wesson were the principal companies making
revolvers of this caliber in the United States. Many Spanish and
other European revolvers such as the Bayard and Pickert cham¬
bered the round. In Europe, it had not been as widely used as the
shorter 32 S&W until some ISU centerfire target shooters discov¬
ered the 32 S&W Long, and now there are several high-class Eur-
poean target autoloaders for the wadcutter loading of this caliber.
General Comments The 32 S&W Long is the smallest
revolver cartridge deemed adequate for police use in the Unit¬
ed States, and it has been fairly popular with detectives or
plain clothesmen. It has always been available in a variety of
short, light, small-frame revolvers, some of them very well
made. It has a reputation for excellent accuracy and has been
used for target and match shooting in the past as well as in
ISU shooting. It is as accurate as the 38 S&W Special, but not
as versatile. It is the minimum size for sporting use and with
handloaded, hunting-type bullets is quite effective on small
game. It is not as popular or widely used for defense as it once
was because of the development of compact 38-caliber
revolvers. Its range and effectiveness can be increased by
handloading. Original load was 13 grains of blackpowder and
a 98-grain bullet.
32 Smith & Wesson Long Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
90 Lead
700X
1.8
700
98
Homady
98 Lead
Unique
1.8
665
96
Speer
98 Lead
Fg
13
780
132
Factory load (Black)
98 Wadcutter
FL
705
115
Factory load (Smokeless)
8th Edition 243
Chapter 6
32 H&R Magnum
Historical Notes The 32 H&R Magnum was the result of a
joint project between Harrington & Richardson and Federal Car¬
tridge company. It was introduced in 1984 for the five-shot H&R
Model 504, 532 and 586 revolvers. This was followed later in the
same year by Charter Arms with their six-shot 32 H&R Magnum
Police Undercover revolver and in 1985 by the Ruger New Model
32 Magnum Single-Six and SP101 revolvers. The 32 H&R Mag¬
num is simply the older 32 Smith & Wesson Long case length¬
ened by .155-inch. Therefore, any 32 Magnum revolver will also
accept and fire both the 32 S&W and the 32 S&W Long. This
makes for a convenient situation because the shooter has a choice
of three different cartridges that will work in one handgun. Two
loadings of the cartridge are available—either a lead semi-wad-
cutter bullet of 95 grains or an 85-grain jacketed hollowpoint.
General Comments According to factory ballistics, the 32 Mag¬
num delivers double the energy of the 32 S&W Long and 13 per¬
cent more energy than the standard 38 Special load. However,
chronograph tests demonstrated that actual velocity at the muz¬
zle ranges 60 to 100 fps below factory-advertised figures. Never¬
theless, the cartridge performance level is well above that of any
other 32-caliber handgun cartridge currently available. The 32-
20 can be handloaded to equal the 32 Magnum in a revolver, but
new 32-20 revolvers have not been available since before WWII.
Why didn’t H&R simply chamber their revolvers for the 32-20?
To do so would have required extensive design changes in their
revolvers because the 32-20 is too long for the cylinder of most
revolvers. In fact, its case length alone is nearly the same as the
overall cartridge length of the 32 Magnum.
By the late 1980s, both H&R and Charter Arms had gone out
of business, leaving Ruger as the sole supplier of revolvers in
this caliber. Federal was the only ammunition maker to under¬
take production.
32 H&R Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
85JHP
Unique
4.0
900
153
Homady
90 Lead
Unique
3.4
815
145
Homady
98 Lead
Unique
3.0
815
145
Speer
85JHP
FL
1100
230
Factory load
95 SWC Lead
FL
1030
225
Factory load
32-20 (32 Winchester)
General Comments Although designed as a rifle cartridge, the and comments will be found in Chapter 2: Current American
32-20 became popular as a revolver cartridge. Historical notes Rifle Cartridges.
32 Short Colt—32 Long Colt
32 S&W Gallery
jf|
*-}!mmmwmmm
Historical Notes Introduced by Colt in 1875 along with the
New Line model revolvers, this was originally a blackpowder car¬
tridge using a 90-grain outside-lubricated bullet. There is also a
32 Short Colt which is identical except for a shorter case length.
In England and Europe, this is known as the 320-caliber revolver.
The 32 Short and Long Colt cartridges are actually obsolete, hav¬
ing been displaced by the 32 S&W and 32 S&W Long. Colt is the
only company that used this cartridge in the United States. It
was more popular in Europe, where a number of blackpowder 320
revolvers were made.
General Comments The 32 Colt cartridge was originally of the
outside-lubricated type which used a bullet of .313-inch diameter.
Later this was changed to an inside-lubricated type which neces¬
sitated a bullet of .299-inch diameter so the lubricating grooves
would fit inside the case. Bullet weight was reduced from 90 to 80
or 82 grains in the inside-lubricated type and this also shortened
the overall length a little. In power and usefulness, the Colt car¬
tridges are nearly the same as the 32 S&W Short and Long, but
not nearly as accurate. Winchester still loads the 32 Short Colt
cartridge.
32 Short Colt—32 Long Colt Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
55 Lead
Black 4.5
Wadcutter lead in 32 S.C.
80 Lead
Bullseye 1.8
732
94
Approx. Factory eq. 32 S.C.
80 Lead
FL
745
100
Factory Load-Short Colt
82 Lead
FL
755
104
Factory Load-Long Colt
244 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
32 Colt
Historical Notes This cartridge was Colt’s attempt at solving
the problems associated with outside lubricated cartridges. The
32 Colt utilized a longer case to fully cover the lubricated portion
of the bullet and carried a hollow based bullet to help obturation
in the bore. This was necessary because the bullets had to be
undersized to fit in the case. Reports were that the effort wasn’t
very successful. Loading was an 82-grain lead buillet with 12
grains of blackpowder.
320 Revolver
Historical Notes The 320 Revolver cartridge originated in Eng¬
land about 1870. It was the first used in the Webley revolver, but
later a number of other British and European pocket-type
weapons chambered it. The 320 served as the inspiration for the
32 Short Colt. It is no longer loaded by European ammunition
manufacturers. At one time, it was also manufactured in the
U.S., but was discontinued in the late 1920s.
General Comments The 320 Revolver is nearly identical to the
32 Short Colt in ballistic performance. The 320 is a short-range
small game number only. Use the same loading data as given for
the 32 Short Colt. Recently 320 Revolver ammunition has become
available from Fiocchi.
320 Revolver Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV
80 Lead FL 550
ME Source
54 Factory load
7.5mm Swiss Army Revolver CZZZ2C^
Historical Notes This cartridge was adopted by the Swiss army
in 1882 and officially used until 1903. The Swiss army revolver is
based on a modified Nagant system. In the early 1960s, quanti¬
ties of these revolvers were sold in the American market by sur¬
plus dealers. They are quite well made and finished. Both
blackpowder and smokeless powder ammunition is encountered.
General Comments The 7.5mm Swiss revolver cartridge is
identical to and fully interchangeable with the 7.5mm
Swedish and Norwegian rounds. Modem smokeless ammuni¬
tion was loaded by Norma for the Swedish Nagant, and this
can also be used in the Swiss revolver. The two cartridges dif¬
fer only in bullet type. Most Swedish cartridges use an out¬
side-lubricated bullet, whereas the Swiss also used an
inside-lubricated type. Ballistics are about the same as the 32
S&W Long. For additional information, see the 7.5mm
Swedish Nagant Revolver.
7.5mm Swiss Army Factory Ballistics _
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
102-110 Lead_FL_700_115 Military loading
8th Edition 245
Chapter 6
8mm Rast-Gasser
Historical Notes The 8mm Rast-Gasser military cartridge was
introduced in 1898 for the solid-frame Rast-Gasser military
revolver patented in 1873. A number of different revolvers manu¬
factured in Belgium and Germany also chambered the round.
Although popular in Europe, the 8mm Rast-Gasser was never
manufactured in the U.S. The round is obsolete and ammunition
difficult to obtain.
General Comments The Gasser solid-frame revolver design is
noted for the simplicity of disassembly. It also has a rebounding
hammer and a spring-mounted, separate firing pin. They are
usually well made and rather sturdy. Quantities have been sold
at various times in surplus stores.
The cartridge resembles the 8mm French Lebel Revolver
round quite closely. Bullet diameter is .320-inch. Rim and body
diameter are nearly identical to the 32 S&W Long. The 32 S&W
case is shorter, but both cartridges are of approximately the same
power. Lyman cast bullet #313445 (95 grains) can be adapted for
handloading. Loading data for the 32 S&W can be used as a guide
in working up loads. This ammunition was recently loaded by
Fiocchi.
8mm Rast-Gasser Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
115-126 Lead
FL
750-785
Factory load
125
FL
787
170
1914-1918 Factory load
126 Lead
FL
770
166
Fiocchi factory load
8mm Nambu
Historical Notes The official Japanese militaiy pistol cartridge
introduced in 1904 for the Nambu auto pistol, it was also used in
the modified 1925 model and the odd-looking 1934 model. This
was the official Japanese pistol cartridge in WWII, although oth¬
er pistols and cartridges were used. It was used only by Japan.
General Comments Quite a few 8mm Nambu pistols were
brought back from the Pacific battle areas by returning GIs at
war’s end. Ammunition has been a problem because most cap¬
tured stores were destroyed. Externally, the cartridge resembles
the 7.65mm Luger, but uses a larger diameter bullet and a semi-
rimmed case. In power, it is slightly superior to the 32 ACP. Most
Nambu cartridges are collector’s items. Bullet diameter is .320-
inch. Cast 32 revolver bullets sized as close to this as possible
would undoubtedly work in weights of from 83 to 100 grains. Use
only fight charges of powder. In the 1980s, Brass Extrusion Lab¬
oratories, Ltd. of Bensenville, Illinois, manufactured 8mm Nam¬
bu brass for Midway Arms, Inc. of Columbia, Missouri. Midway
no longer sells this ammunition. This caliber is no longer com¬
mercially loaded.
8mm Nambu Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
83 Lead
Unique 3.0
950
165
Estimated velocity
102 FMJ
FL
960
202
Military load
246 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
8mm Lebel Revolver
Historical Notes This cartridge is for the French 1892 Ord¬
nance Revolver, commonly called the Lebel. This is a six-shot, sol¬
id-frame, double-action gun. Bayard and Pieper also made
revolvers of this caliber. Small lots have shown up in surplus
stores, but they are of interest mostly to military collectors.
General Comments The 8mm Lebel revolver cartridge close¬
ly resembles the 32-20 WCF and ammunition can be made by
sizing 32-20 brass. It is not a common item, but surplus stores
have had ammunition of this caliber available at times. The 32
Smith & Wesson Long can be fired in these revolvers, but the
cases bulge badly and accuracy is poor. When cooking up your
own loads, stick to moderate charges and velocity as the Lebel
revolver is not designed for high pressures. For field use, this is
another 32 S&W Long class cartridge suitable only for small
game. Bullet diameter is .330-inch and one can use the Lyman
#32359 cast bullet.
8mm Lebel Revolver Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
115 Lead Bullseye 2.8 700 126 Lymar>#32359
102 Lead_FL 625 104 Military load
7.5mm Swedish Nagant Revolver
Historical Notes The cartridge listed here is the 7.5mm
Swedish for the 1887 Swedish Nagant military revolver manu¬
factured by Husqvama. Large numbers of these revolvers have
been sold as surplus in the U.S. since the end of WWII. This has
a short, rimmed case with an outside-lubricated bullet and is usu¬
ally loaded with blackpowder. The revolver is long obsolete, but
Norma of Sweden loaded this cartridge with Berdan-primed cas¬
es and smokeless propellants.
General Comments The 7.5mm Swedish Nagant revolver car¬
tridge was practically unknown in the U.S. prior to 1948. It is list¬
ed here because of the large number of these revolvers imported.
Many Nagant revolvers were altered to use the 22 Long Rifle by
lining the barrel and bushing the cylinder. The 32 Short or Long
Colt can be fired in these revolvers, but it fits loosely and accura¬
cy is terrible. Cartridge cases can be made from empty 32-20
brass trimmed back to .895-inch in length. The Australian 310
Martini cartridge will also work if cut to the proper length. The
Swedish Nagant revolver was intended for blackpowder, and only
low pressure smokeless loads are safe. Ballistically, the 7.5mm
cartridge is in the same class as the 32 S&W Long. The caliber is
still commercially manufactured by Fiocchi.
7.5mm Swedish Nagant Revolver Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
105 Lead
Bullseye 2.0
720
120
Duplicate factory load
105 Lead
FFFg 11.5
725
121
Duplicate factory load
104 Lead
FL
725
121
Factory load
107 Lead
FL
710
108
Fiocchi factory load
8mm Roth-Steyr
Historical Notes The 8mm Roth-Steyr cartridge and auto pis¬
tol were adopted by the Austro-Hungarian cavalry in 1907. No
other country or gun employed this cartridge. It was a popular
post-WWII surplus item, all but unknown on the American mar¬
ket prior to the war. It is a recoil-operated pistol of rather odd
appearance, resembling some modem air pistols.
General Comments The 8mm Roth-Steyr cartridge is simi¬
lar to the 32 ACP, but longer and more powerful. It would
make a fair field cartridge for small game if loaded with hunt¬
ing-type bullets. The Roth-Steyr pistol has a non-detachable
magazine in the grip that holds 10 shots. As with most Austri¬
an-designed auto pistols of the period, it is loaded by retract¬
ing the slide (bolt) and inserting a special charger from the
top. It can be loaded without the charger, but this is rather
slow and hard on the fingers. Fiocchi still manufactures this
cartridge.
8mm Roth-Steyr Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
116 Lead
Unique 3.3
1050
283
Lyman#313226
113 FMJ
FL
1070
287
Fiocchi factory load
116FMJ
FL
1090
309
Military load
8th Edition 247
Chapter 6
9mm Ultra
Historical Notes This cartridge was designed for the Walther
PP Super semi-auto pistol introduced in 1972-73. This seven-shot
autoloader was designed particularly for the West German police.
The pistol was not available to the civilian market until 1975 and
then only in small numbers. Quite a few guns in this caliber have
shown up in the U.S. as the West German police discontinued
this caliber. In recent years, the Sig-Sauer P-230 and the Benelli
B76 auto pistols have also been chambered for the 9mm Ultra.
The cartridge was actually developed in 1936 for the German air¬
force, but was never officially adopted.
The 9mm Ultra is 1mm longer than the 380 Auto and 1mm
shorter than the 9mm Luger with the same general case dimen¬
sions. In terms of inches, the 380 case length is .680-inch, the
9mm Ultra is .720-inch and the 9mm Luger is .760-inch.
The original loading of the 9mm Ultra by Hirtenberger of Aus¬
tria was a 100-grain full-jacketed bullet at a muzzle velocity of
1060 fps. GECO (Dynamit-Nobel) loads a 94-grain full-jacketed
bullet at an initial velocity of 1054 fps. Both bullets are of trun¬
cated cone shape. The ammunition is hard to find in the U.S., and
American companies do not load it. The case has a slightly rebat¬
ed rim .020-inch smaller than the base.
General Comments European police have traditionally carried
small 32 ACP and 380 ACP pistols. However, with the increase in
crime and attacks by terrorist groups, they found themselves out¬
gunned by those on the other side of the law. There was some
reluctance to adopt the full-powered 9mm military auto pistol,
which is heavier and bulkier than the more convenient 32 and
380 autos. The 9mm Ultra was an effort to provide greater stop¬
ping power while retaining the small, handy pistols police were
used to carrying. It was not successful and most German police
now carry 9mm Luger-caliber pistols.
The best that can be said about the 9mm Ultra is that it is as good
as and probably more effective than the 380 ACP. Handloaded with
9mm jacketed hollowpoint bullets, it would certainly be satisfactory
for small game hunting. Hirtenberger, Fiocchi and Dynamit Nobel
still offer this cartridge. It is sometimes called the 9mm Police.
9mm Glisenti Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100
W231 3.6
1010
225
123 FMJ
FL
1070
350
Fiocchi factory load
124 FMJ
FL
1050
308
Military load
9mm Browning Long
Historical Notes This Browning-designed pistol cartridge was
popular in Europe, but never adopted by American manufactur¬
ers. It was introduced with the FN Browning 1903 Model pistol.
Sweden used the pistol and cartridge as an official military
sidearm starting in 1907 and sold most of these pistols as surplus
after WWTI. Most were altered to use the standard 380 ACP for
the American market. In addition to the Browning, LeFrancais
and Webley & Scott pistols used this cartridge.
General Comments The 9mm Browning Long has been used
only to a very limited extent in the U.S. In size it is a shortened
38 ACP, and in power is between the 380 and 38 Colt ACP. For
field use it would be strictly a small game number. Bullet diame¬
ter is the same as the 9mm Luger. These bullets for reloading are
easy to obtain. Like all auto pistol cartridges, killing power can be
improved with softpoint or half-jacketed hunting bullets. In
Europe, this cartridge is nearly obsolete.
9mm Browning Long Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
75 Lead
Unique 5.0
1078
192
Lyman#358101
95 FMJ
Unique 5.0
1050
230
Estimated Velocity
116 FMJ
Unique 4.8
1000
255
Estimated Velocity
110 FMJ
FL
1100
300
Factory load
248 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
9mm Glisenti
Historical Notes Adopted for the Italian military Model
1910 Glisenti auto pistol, the 9mm Glisenti was also used in
other pistols and submachine guns. It was the official Ital¬
ian pistol cartridge in WWI and II. It is similar in physical
measurement to the 9mm Luger (Parabellum), but is not
loaded as heavily. Regular 9mm Luger ammunition should
not be fired in pistols intended for the Glisenti cartridge or
loading.
General Comments The 9mm Glisenti is in about the same
class as the 38 ACP and is not quite as powerful as the standard
9mm Luger. Quite a few Glisenti pistols have been sold on the
American market through military surplus dealers. Ammunition
can be made by loading 9mm Luger cases down to the proper
velocity-pressure level. Bullet diameter is .355-inch, so standard
9mm Luger bullets can be used. This cartridge is now obsolete,
but Fiocchi still manufactures it.
9mm Glisenti Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
116 FMJ
Bullseye 4.0
1070
294
123 FMJ
FL
1070
350
Fiocchi factory load
124 FMJ
FL
1050
308
Military load
9x21 mm
Historical Notes In many countries such as Italy, Mexico and
France, it is illegal for private citizens to own semi-automatic
pistols in military calibers such as 9x19mm Parabellum (9mm
Luger). Faced with a strong demand for a powerful, semi-auto¬
matic pistol in a non-military caliber, the 9x21mm cartridge
was developed in the mid-1980s. Basically, it is a 9x19mm Para¬
bellum case lengthened by 2mm. However, a blunt, truncated
cone bullet seated deeply in the case mouth is used. Overall
loaded length is, therefore, the same as the 9mm Luger car¬
tridge. Thus, magazines, breech faces and feed ramps which are
suitable for one cartridge work fine with the other with little or
no modification.
Ballistically, the 9x21mm offers the same performance as
the 9mm Luger, so those barrels and recoil springs can be
used. Firearms manufacturers find it an easy to transition
from 9mm to 9x2lto produce this caliber as needed for spe¬
cialized markets.
General Comments For self-defense, the 9x21mm is fully the
ballistic equal of the 9mm Luger. It is suitable for small game
hunting with expanding bullets. For handloading, 9mm Luger
data may be used. Despite their similarity, these two cartridges
are not interchangeable.
With the Western European Union consolidating firearms
laws, the prohibition against private ownership of pistols in mili¬
tary calibers will be ended. The purpose for which the 9x21mm
was developed will no longer exist. Therefore, the 9x21mm will
probably become history. The only commercial maker has been
Fiocchi.
9x21 mm Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
90JHTP
Bluedot
10.2
1482
437
Lyman
124 FMJ
AA#7
9.8
1335
490
Lyman
147 Lead
AA#7
8.0
1089
385
Lyman#356637
123 FMJ
FL
1181
380
Patronen (Hungarian)
124 FMJ
FL
1110
340
Fiocchi factory load
8th Edition 249
Chapter 6
Historical Notes This cartridge is for the 1910 Model
Bergmann-Bayard automatic pistol that was for many years the
official Danish military sidearm. The Spanish also used both pis¬
tol and cartridge and consequently many Spanish-made pistols
were made for this round. The Astra and various Colt-Browning
copies or modifications are found in 9mm Bayard caliber.
General Comments The 9mm Bayard has never been manu¬
factured in the U.S. Pistols of this caliber are mostly military sur¬
plus, imported and sold since the end of WWII. The cartridge is
quite similar to the 38 ACP, but longer. The Astra Model 400 is
designed for the 9mm Bayard and will handle the 38 ACP without
any adjustment, but most other pistols won’t. It is a fairly potent
round and makes a good field cartridge if loaded with hunting-
type bullets. The bullet diameter is .355-inch and any 9mm Luger
bullet can be used, cast or jacketed. Standard loads for the 9mm
Luger or the 38 Colt ACP will work fine in these pistols.
9mm Bergmann-Bayard Long Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
116JSP Unique 7.0 1280 420
125 FMJ FL 1120 352_Factory load
9mm Steyr
Historical Notes The standard Austrian military pistol car¬
tridge for the Steyr Model 1912 auto pistol, the case is approx¬
imately 23mm long, as compared to the 19mm 9mm Luger.
Apparently the only other country besides Austria to use this
as a military round was Romania, who adopted both the Steyr
pistol and cartridge in 1912. The cartridge is very similar to
the 9mm Bergmann-Bayard and the two are often confused.
However, 9mm Steyr ammunition is usually found with a
nickel, jacketed bullet. The 9mm Bayard case is slightly
longer. Quantities of 9mm Steyr pistols have appeared on the
U.S. surplus military market and for a time ammunition was
readily available.
General Comments The 9mm Steyr is quite similar to the
9mm Bayard. The Astra Model 400 will sometimes handle both,
but other pistols won’t. The 9mm Steyr is a pretty good field car¬
tridge, similar to the 38 Colt ACP in performance. Bullet diame¬
ter is the same as the 9mm Luger and one can use Luger bullets
for reloading. Any standard load for the 9mm Luger or 38 ACP
will work in the Steyr pistol. This caliber is still offered by Hirten-
berger AG of Austria and Fiocchi of Italy.
9mm Steyr Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
119 Lead
Unique 6.5
1200
379
Lyman#356402
115 FMJ
FL
1200
360
Factory load
116 FMJ
FL
1200
370
Military load
250 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
9mm Federal
Historical Notes The 9mm Federal was developed by Federal
Cartridge Co. and first appeared in their 1989 ammunition cat¬
alog. It is a rimmed version of the 9mm Luger, intended for use
in revolvers. The first handgun specifically chambered for it was
the Charter Arms Pit Bull revolver, also introduced in 1989.
This was a five-shot double-action revolver with a 2V2-inch bar¬
rel similar to the older Police Bulldog model. The use of any rim¬
less cartridge in double-action revolvers has never been entirely
satisfactory because of extraction difficulties. The 9mm Federal
was designed to eliminate this problem in the same way that
the 45 Auto Rim removed the need for the half-moon clips in 45
ACP revolvers. However, the 9mm Federal lacks the very thick
rim characteristic of the 45 Auto Rim. Shortly after its intro¬
duction, Charter Arms went out of business. No other manufac¬
turer chambered this caliber. In 1992, Federal ceased
manufacture.
General Comments Initial loading of the 9mm Federal was a
115-grain jacketed hollowpoint bullet at 1280 fps muzzle velocity
from a 4-inch test barrel. Ballistically this equals or exceeds most
+P 38 Special loads and is pushing close to 357 Magnum perfor¬
mance. The principal advantage of the 9mm Federal was the
short case length which would allow shortening the length of the
cylinder and frame of revolvers designed for it, thus reducing
weight and bulk. However, no gun manufacturer ever did this;
Charter Arms merely rechambered a 38 Special. As a self-defense
or field cartridge it would be equal to the 9mm Luger. Unfortu¬
nately, the 9mm Federal will chamber in most 38 S&W revolvers,
but should never be fired in these, particularly the old top-break
type, as this would almost certainly result in damage to the
revolver and injury to the shooter. Also some lots or makes of 38
S&W ammunition will fit the 9mm Federal chamber, but it is
probably not safe practice to fire these in 9mm Federal guns
because of the grossly oversize bullet. Last, but not least, 9mm
Luger cartridges will chamber and fire in 9mm Federal revolvers,
but this can create extraction and other mechanical problems. In
all cases, stick to the ammunition that a gun is chambered for.
Reloading data for the 9mm Luger can be used as a guide in
working up reloads.
9mm Federal Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
115
HS6 7.7
1270
410
115JHP
FL
1280
420
Factory load
9mm
9mm
Luger (9x19mm Parabellum/
Luger +P)
Historical Notes The 9mm Luger, or 9mm Parabellum, was
introduced in 1902 with the Luger automatic pistol. It was adopt¬
ed first by the German navy in 1904 and then by the German
army in 1908. Since that time, it has been adopted by the military
of practically every non-Communist power. It has become the
world’s most popular and widely-used military handgun and sub¬
machine gun cartridge. In the United States, Colt, Smith & Wes¬
son, Ruger and many others chamber the 9mm, and there are
many foreign-made pistols also available in it. In 1985, the 9mm
Luger was adopted as the official military cartridge by U.S.
Armed Forces along with the Beretta Model 92-F (M-9) 15-shot
semi-auto pistol.
General Comments Although the 9mm Luger delivers good
performance for police, military or sporting use, it was not popu¬
lar in the U.S. until fairly recently. The principal reason was that
no American-made arms were chambered for it early on. In 1954,
Smith & Wesson brought out their new Model 39 semi-automat¬
ic in this caliber and Colt chambered their lightweight Comman¬
der for the 9mm Luger in 1951. This, plus the influx of surplus
9mm military automatics, greatly increased its popularity and
acceptance in this country. At the present time, it is the most
widely used cartridge in the U.S. A principal complaint has
always been that the 9mm Luger lacks stopping power as a
defensive cartridge. However, the only automatic pistol cartridge
with proven stopping power is the 45 ACP. For hunting use, the
9mm Luger is adequate for most small game if hollowpoint bul¬
lets are used. The 9mm Luger cartridge is loaded by all major
U.S. ammunition makers in wide variety.
9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum, 9mm Luger +P)
Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
100
Unique
5.1
1150
294
Homady
115
Herco
6.0
1200
368
Speer
115
Bullseye
4.8
1250
399
Speer, Homady, Sierra
115
231
5.2
1150
338
Speer, Homady, Sierra
124/125
Unique
5.5
1150
364
Speer, Sierra
124/125
700X
4.3
1150
364
Speer, Sierra
88 JHP
FL
1500
440
Factory load
115 FMJ
FL
1160
345
Factory load
115 JHP
FL
1250
399
Factory load
124 FMJ
FL
1299
465
U.S. military load
124 FMJ
FL
1120
345
Factory load
147 JHP
FL
975
310
Factory load
8th Edition 251
Chapter 6
9mm Mauser
General Comments The 9mm Mauser is more powerful
than the 9mm Luger and also has an edge on the 38 Colt
Super Automatic. It develops 534 fpe at the muzzle compared
to 465 and 430 for top factory loadings of the 9mm Luger and
38 Colt Super, respectively. According to the DWM catalog,
the 9mm Mauser is loaded with a 123- or 128-grain full-jack¬
eted bullet at an initial velocity of 1362 fps. With modern bul¬
lets, it would make a good small to medium game hunting
cartridge. The case is approximately .23-inch longer than the
9mm Luger, is rimless and Berdan-primed. Empty cases could
be reloaded with any standard 9mm (.355-inch) bullets of 100
to 130 grains in weight.
Today, the 9mm Mauser (DWM No. 487) is a collector’s item.
Historical Notes Introduced in 1908, this cartridge was devel¬
oped for the “Export Model” Mauser auto pistol. Both cartridge
and pistol had a relatively short life and were discontinued in
1914 with the outbreak of WWI. Production was not resumed
after the war. The 9mm Mauser was designed as a more powerful
round than the 7.63mm Mauser in an effort to capture sales in
Africa and South America. It failed in this effort and never
became popular, although it’s potentially a good field cartridge.
The 9mm Mauser was revived in 1933-34 when the Swiss-
designed Neuhausen submachine gun and later the Austrian
Steyr-Solothum were chambered for the round. Manufacture of
the cartridge then resumed in several European countries.
9mm Mauser Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
125
Blue Dot 10.6
1300
467
Estimated Velocity
128 FMJ
FL
1362
534
Factory load
9mm Winchester Magnum
Historical Notes Reports on the 9mm Winchester Magnum
were circulating as early as 1977, but 11 years later, in late
1988, it was still not exactly an over-the-counter item,
although a few individuals were using it in Thompson/Center
pistols. The cartridge is listed in the 1988 Winchester-West¬
ern Sporting Arms and Ammunition Catalog. In any event,
the 9mm Magnum is one of two cartridges developed by Win¬
chester for the stainless steel Wildey gas-operated semi¬
automatic pistol. This is another rather large handgun
weighing over 3 pounds, unloaded, and holding 14 of the
9mm Magnum rounds. It was advertised as available in 5-, 6-
, 7-, 8- or 10-inch barrel lengths and has a ventilated, raised
rib over the barrel and an adjustable target-type rear sight.
The pistol and cartridge are intended primarily for silhouette
competition, but have an obvious field application for hunt¬
ing small to medium game, or big game in the hands of an
expert.
General Comments The 9mm Winchester Magnum bears
some resemblance to the older 9mm Mauser cartridge and devel¬
ops roughly comparable ballistics. The Mauser 9mm fires a 128-
grain bullet at 1362 fps whereas the Winchester version has a
115-grain bullet that starts out at 1475 fps. The energies devel¬
oped are 534 and 556 foot pounds respectively, so they are not
really very far apart. A 115-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of
1475 fps (5-inch barrel) is impressive, but no more so than some
handloads in the 357 Magnum which can develop over 1550 fps
with a 125-grain bullet. The 9mm Magnum is certainly more
powerful than either the 9mm Luger or the 38 Colt Super and, if
loaded with hunting-type bullets, should prove to be very effec¬
tive for a broad range of hunting situations.
9mm Winchester Magnum Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
115 FMJ FL 1475 556 Factory load
252 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
380 Automatic (9mm Kurz/9x17mm/380 ACP)
Historical Notes Designed by John Browning and introduced
in Europe by FN of Belgium in 1912 as the 9mm Browning Short,
and was added to the Colt Pocket Automatic line in 1908. It has
been adopted as the official military pistol cartridge by several
governments, including Czechoslovakia, Italy and Sweden and is
much used by European police. Colt, High Standard, Remington
and Savage have made pistols in this caliber in the U.S. In
Europe, Browning, Beretta, Bayard, CZ, Frommer, Astra, Star,
Llama, Walther and others made or make automatic pistols in
380-caliber. This caliber is also called 9x17mm.
General Comments This is another cartridge that has been
very popular because of the light, handy pistols that are cham¬
bered for it. The 380 Auto has more stopping power and is a far
better cartridge for almost any purpose than the 32 Auto. It is
about the minimum automatic pistol caliber considered adequate
for police or military use. For self-defense it is not as powerful as
the 9mm Luger, 38 Auto or a few others, but this is offset to a cer¬
tain extent by the reduced size and weight of the arms it is used
in. For hunting or field use, it will do a pretty good job on rabbits,
birds or other small game. It has a fairly high velocity as com¬
pared to most light handguns, and this is an advantage for field
use. With cast or swaged half-jacketed bullets of hunting type it
will do a good job on small game, but not many shooters want to
bother reloading it.
380 Automatic (9mm Kurz/9x17mm/380 ACP) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
90JHP
Bullseye
3.0
900
162
Sierra, Homady, Speer
95 FMJ
Bullseye
3.2
900
171
Speer, Sierra
95 FMJ
Unique
3.7
900
171
Speer, Sierra
85JHP
FL
1000
189
Factory load
88JHP
FL
990
191
Factory load
90 JHP
FL
1000
200
Factory load
95 FMJ
FL
955
192
Factory load
Astra Model 4000 Falcon
38 Short & Long Colt
Historical Notes Obsolete for many years, the 38 Long Colt
was once the official United States Army revolver cartridge, from
1892 to 1911. However, 38 Short Colt ammunition is commer¬
cially available and can be used in 38 Long Colt revolvers. It was
used mainly in the Colt Army & Navy Model revolver with swing-
out cylinder developed in 1887. The 38 Long Colt was actually
introduced in 1875 as one of several calibers for the Colt New
Line, New Police and New House revolvers. There is also a short
version that is identical except for case length (.762-inch) and the
fact that it used a 130-grain, outside-lubricated bullet at the same
770 fps muzzle velocity.
General Comments Since this was once a military cartridge, a
number of Colt and S&W revolvers are still around in this cal¬
iber. The 38 Long Colt cartridge can be fired in a 38 Special
revolver, but not vice versa. During the Spanish-American War
and the Philippine insurrection, the Army found that the 38 Long
Colt had insufficient stopping power for combat use. The car¬
tridge was therefore dropped, in 1911, in favor of the 45 ACP. It is
this same experience that made the U.S. Army reluctant to adopt
the 9mm Luger which they eventually did anyway, in 1985,
largely as a NATO-inspired political decision. Advocates of a
smaller caliber admit the superior stopping power of the 45, but
point out that extra weight, reduced magazine capacity, and the
fact that few men can shoot well with the 45 ACP are detrimental
factors that should be considered. The 38 Long Colt is in about
the same class as the standard 38 Special load, but not nearly as
accurate or as versatile. Some of the old 38 Long Colt revolvers
will accept 38 Special or 357 Magnum ammunition but never fire
these in the old 38s. Firing the 357 Magnum would be particular¬
ly dangerous, probably wrecking the gun and possibly injuring
the shooter or bystanders. Remington still manufactures 38 Short
Colt ammunition, but 38 Long Colt is now obsolete.
38 Short & Long Colt Factory Ballistics __
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
150 Lead_FL_770 195 Factory load
8th Edition 253
Chapter 6
38 Special (38 Special +P/
38-44 Target/38-44 High Velocity/
38 Smith & Wesson Special)
Historical Notes Also known as the 38 Colt Special and, more gener¬
ally, as simply the 38 Special, it was developed by S&W and introduced
with their Military & Police Model revolver in 1902. It was originally a
military cartridge to replace the unsatisfactory 38 Long Colt then in use
by the Army. Colt brought out their version in 1909, which differs from
the original only in the shape of the bullet, a flat-point style. Colt, Smith
& Wesson, and others make revolvers specifically for this cartridge. Sev¬
eral Belgian, Brazilian, German and Spanish firms also make 38 Special
revolvers. The S&W 52 Target Auto available until 1993 was made for
the mid-range wadcutter load. A number of good-quality, lever-action
Winchester clones (1866,1873,1892) are chambered for the 38 Special.
General Comments The 38 Special is considered one of the best-
balanced, all-round handgun cartridges ever designed. It is also one of
the most accurate and is very widely used for match shooting. Any
357 Magnum revolver will also shoot the 38 Special. At one time it
was the standard police cartridge here, and to a large extent in Mexi¬
co and Canada. It is also usable in lightweight pocket revolvers. Sev¬
eral companies make over/under, two-shot, derringer-type pistols in
this caliber that are compact and relatively powerful for close-in self-
defense. The 38 Special is also a very popular sporting cartridge for
hunting small to medium game and varmint-type animals. With
modem hunting bullets it is effective for this purpose. Because of its
moderate recoil, the average person can learn to shoot well with it in
a fairly short time, something not true of the 357 or 44 Magnums. The
38 Special is loaded by all major commercial ammunition manufac¬
turers. Bullet weights from 95 to 200 grains have been available.
38 Smith & Wesson Special Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
110JHP
Bullseye
4.7
1000
244
Homady, Speer, Sierra
125 JHP
231
5.5
1000
278
Sierra, Speer, Nosier
140JHP
2400
10.4
950
281
Speer, Sierra
158 JHP
Herco
5.0
900
284
Speer, Nosier, Sierra
148 WC
Bullseye
3.1
800
210
Speer, Homady
95 JHP
FL
1175
291
Factory load
110 JHP
FL
995
242
Factory load
125 JHP
FL
945
248
Factory load
130 FMS
FL
950
260
Military load
148 WC
FL
710
132
Factory load
150 LRN
FL
890
270
Factory load
158 JHP
FL
755
200
Factory load
200 LRN
FL
730
236
Factory load
357 Magnum
Historical Notes Introduced in 1935 by Smith & Wesson for their
heavy-frame revolver. The ammunition was developed by Winches¬
ter in cooperation with Smith & Wesson. Major Douglas B. Wesson
(of S&W) and Philip B. Sharpe are also credited with much of the
final development work. The 357 Magnum is based on the 38 Special
case lengthened about Vio-inch, so it will not chamber in standard 38
Special revolvers. This was the most powerful handgun cartridge in
the world until the 44 Magnum was introduced in 1955. Colt, Ruger
and Smith & Wesson manufacture revolvers of various types for this
cartridge. There has also been a proliferation of imported single- and
double-action revolvers and several single shot pistols chamber it.
There is even a semi-auto pistol in this caliber. American 357 Mag¬
num revolvers are used in Canada, Mexico and other countries.
General Comments Probably the most popular high-velocity
handgun cartridge in the United States for police, hunting or tar¬
get work. It provides about double the velocity and more than
three times the energy of the standard 38 Special load. It is noted
for its flat trajectory, deep penetration and great knockdown pow¬
er. It has been used successfully on deer, black bear, elk and even
grizzly bear. However, it is not really adequate for these larger
animals unless used by a good handgun shot. It is also used in
repeating and single shot rifles as matched arms to go along with
the revolver. In a 20- to 24-inch rifle barrel, the standard factory
load will develop about 1650 fps muzzle velocity and special hand¬
loads will develop over 2000. It is considered the best all-round
handgun hunting cartridge for small and medium game and,
under proper conditions, for deer at short range. During the Kore¬
an conflict it was found to be very effective against the body armor
used by the Communist forces. Nearly every major commercial
ammunition manufacturer offers this caliber.
357 Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
110 JHP
2400
19
1500
550
Sierra, Speer
125 JHP
2400
16
1200
400
Nosier, Speer, Homady
140 JHP
296
16
1200
448
Speer, Hornady, Sierra
158 JHP
2400
13.5
1200
505
Homady, Speer, Sierra, Nosier
110 JHP
FL
1295
410
Factory load
125 JHP
FL
1450
583
Factory load
140 JHP
FL
1360
575
Factory load
158 JHP, Lead
FL
1235
535
Factory load
180 JHP
FL
1090
475
Factory load
254 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
357 Remington Maximum
Historical Notes The 357 Maximum was announced as a joint
venture between Remington Arms Co. and Sturm, Ruger, Inc.
The cartridge is basically a 3/ 10 -inch elongation of the 357 Mag¬
num case. The first handgun to chamber the round was the
Ruger Blackhawk 357 Maximum single-action revolver intro¬
duced in 1983. This was followed in 1984 by the Dan Wesson dou¬
ble-action, stainless steel revolver, the Seville single-action
stainless steel revolver and the Thompson/Center Contender sin¬
gle shot pistol. During the same year Harrington & Richardson
chambered their Model 258 single shot rifle for the round as did
Savage in their Model 24V and Model 24VS Camper over/under
rifle shotgun combination guns. Although Remington developed
the commercial 357 Maximum, a similar wildcat cartridge was
actually developed earlier by Elgin Gates.
Unfortunately, the 357 Maximum revolvers all developed exces¬
sive gas-cutting just forward of the cylinder within 1000 rounds or
so when fired with full factory loads. Ruger withdrew their Black-
hawk 357 Maximum revolver from production pending additional
research and possible engineering changes. Dan Wesson ap¬
proached the problem by offering a second barrel with each gun
sold and a discount on a third barrel if needed. Since Dan Wesson
revolvers have easily interchangeable barrels, this was a viable
solution. There did not appear to be any danger involved, but it was
something manufacturers did not like. There is, of course, no such
problem with the Thompson/Center Contender or the rifles cham¬
bering the 357 Maximum. As this is written, the erosion problem
with 357 Maximum revolvers has not been solved, ammunition is
no longer available. The cartridge gained some success as a silhou¬
ette round in single shot pistols and in the Wesson revolvers.
General Comments Efforts to develop ultra high-velocity
revolvers have not been crowned with unbridled success. The 22
Remington Jet and the Model 53 Smith & Wesson revolver is anoth¬
er example of a combination that was discontinued because of
mechanical troubles. In the case of the 357 Maximum, the cartridge
differs from the standard 357 Magnum only in case length, so one
can drop back to shooting the 357 Magnum in any Maximum
revolver or simply handload to lower velocity levels using the Maxi¬
mum case. Factory ballistics were taken in a 10V 2 -inch vented test
barrel and actual muzzle velocity from a revolver with the same
length barrel is about 200 fps lower than the advertised figure.
The 357 Maximum was conceived primarily as an ultra-veloci¬
ty, flat-trajectory silhouette cartridge. That it would also make a
good field cartridge for hunting small and medium game is pret¬
ty obvious. Many would consider it a good deer cartridge, but
when used in a handgun, it would be rather marginal for that
purpose. Of course, a good deal depends on the skill of the person
using it and as noted, elsewhere, the older, less powerful 357
Magnum has killed its share of big game. Certainly, it will be
used as a big game handgun cartridge, but the measure of suc¬
cess will depend as much on the man behind the gun as on the
cartridge. It is difficult to predict the eventual popularity of this
round or even its long-term survival.
357 Remington Maximum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
125 JHP
296
25
1800
900
Homady, Speer
140 JHP
296
23.5
1700
899
Homady, Speer
158 JHP
296
21
1550
843
Hornady, Speer
180 FMJ
H-4227
18.4
1300
676
Sierra, Nosier, Speer, Homady
158 JHP
FL
1825
1168
Factory load
180 JHP
FL
1550
960
Factory load
357 Sig
Historical Comments: This cartridge is based upon the 40 S&W
case simply necked down with a short neck and a sharp shoulder. The
design purpose was to achieve 357 Magnum revolver ballistics from
typical semi-automatic pistols. This cartridge design offers several
potential advantages. First, its compact nature allows use of a small¬
er (shorter) grip frame in pistols so chambered. For shooters with
smaller hands this is significant; many find guns chambered for the
45 Automatic and 10mm cartridges entirely too big for proper han¬
dling and accurate shooting. Second, compared to the parent car¬
tridge, the 357 Sig can effectively launch fighter bullets at greater
velocity to achieve similar muzzle eneigy with less recoil. All of these
considerations figured in the development of this cartridge.
General Comments: The 357 Sig is loaded to a comparatively
high pressure level, the same as top factory 357 Magnum loads
and frilly 14 percent higher than the 40 S&W or the 9mm Luger.
The combination of high pressure, reasonable case capacity and
no barrel venting (as seen in 357 Magnum revolvers) allows this
petite cartridge to generate significant ballistics—fully the equal
of the 40 S&W in terms of muzzle energy. However, in the typical
short pistol barrels used there is a price to pay for this level of
performance—muzzle blast is significant. Compared to the 40
S&W, which can be chambered in the same pistols, the 357 Sig
has only one advantage, a slight reduction in recoil. Time will tell
if that will prove sufficient cause to popularize this cartridge.
357 Sig Factory Loads and Handloading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
88 JHP
AA#5
11.1
1616
510
Accurate/1.13" OAL
95 FMJ
AA#5
11.0
1572
520
Accurate/1.135" OAL
115XTP
AA#9
13.5
1434
525
Accurate/1.14" OAL
124 XTP
AA#9
13.0
1387
530
Accurate/1.14" OAL
147 XTP
N350
6.9
1170
445
Vihtavuori/1.135" OAL
95 FMJ
AA#5
11.0
1572
520
Accurate/1.135" OAL
125 JHP
FL
1350
505
Speer/Federal
8th Edition 255
Chapter 6
38 Automatic (38 ACP)
Historical Notes Another cartridge designed by John Brown¬
ing and introduced by Colt in 1900 for their 38 Automatic. In its
original form, this pistol was designed as a military gun. From
this evolved the seven-shot sporting and eight-shot military mod¬
els of 1902. This cartridge was stepped up in power in 1929, and
the improved round called the 38 Super Auto. In the U.S., only
Colt used it; in England, Webley & Scott chambered it in one ver¬
sion of their military automatic and in Spain a number of auto¬
matics have been made for it.
General Comments Although developed for military and self-
defense use, the 38 Colt Auto achieved a degree of popularity for
sporting use through its relatively high velocity. The military
turned it down because of previous poor results with the 38 Long
Colt. No guns designed for this cartridge have been made since
1928, but plenty of the older model Colt pistols are still used. In
power it is about the same as the 9mm Luger, but it has a longer
semi-rimmed case. This caliber is now obsolete. It is no longer
loaded by any major ammunition maker.
38 Automatic (38 Colt Automatic/38 ACP) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
115 FMJ
Bullseye 5.0
1150
338
Hornady
125 JHP
Bullseye 4.7
1100
336
Hornady
130 FMJ
FL
1040
312
Factory load
38 Super Automatic
38 Super Automatic +P
Historical Notes Introduced by Colt in 1929 as an improved
version of the older 38 Auto. The Super Auto is identical to the
original cartridge except it uses a more powerful loading. It’s a
fine high-speed sporting cartridge for the improved Government
Model automatic pistol, but it should not be used in the older Colt
pocket models. In the U.S. only Colt uses it, although the Thomp¬
son submachine gun was once available in a 38 Super caliber. In
Spain, Llama makes pistols for it. It is not popular in Europe, but
is very popular in Canada, Mexico and South America where pis¬
tols in military calibers are prohibited.
General Comments This was for many years the most power¬
ful automatic pistol cartridge made in the United States from the
standpoint of velocity and energy. It makes a good sporting car¬
tridge for hunting small to medium game because the flat trajec¬
tory permits accurate long-range shots. However, the metal case
bullet used does not bring out the full potential of this round.
With a good expanding-type bullet, it is one of our better hunting
cartridges. It is more powerful than the 9mm Luger, but both are
adequate for about the same range of game. It will give greater
penetration than the 45 ACP, but is inferior in stopping power for
defense use. For handloading, any 9mm bullet can be used. How¬
ever, unless proper round-nosed or conical shapes are used, it will
be necessary to single load most rounds. Both Remington and
Winchester still offer this caliber.
38 Super Automatic +P Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
115 FMJ
Bullseye 5.0
1200
368
Hornady, Sierra, Speer
125 JHP
231 5.4
1150
500
Sierra, Hornady, Speer
115JHP
FL
1300
431
Factory load
125JHP
FL
1240
427
Factory load
130 FMJ
FL
1215
426
Factory load
256 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
38 Smith & Wesson
38 Colt New Police
Historical Notes Designed by Smith & Wesson for their
hinged-frame revolvers introduced about 1877, the 38 S&W is
one of the more widely adopted American revolver cartridges; it
has been used all over the world. England began using it as an
official service cartridge prior to WWII, and it is rather well-dis¬
tributed through the British Commonwealth. Large numbers of
Spanish-made revolvers in this caliber are used in Mexico and
South America, but it has never been very popular in Europe. It
is also known as the 38 Colt New Police, and with a 200-grain
bullet as the 38 Super Police. Colt, H&R, Hopkins & Allen, Iver
Johnson, Ruger and S&W have made revolvers in this caliber in
the U.S. Webley & Scott made many of the British service arms.
The British service load is called the 380/200.
General Comments The 38 S&W is another cartridge that
owes most of its popularity to the fact that it is well-suited to
lightweight pocket guns. It is also a good short-range cartridge
for defense use and has better stopping power than any of the 32s
and even some of the larger automatic pistol cartridges. The
British military figured out that the shocking power of this car¬
tridge with a 200-grain bullet was about the same as their older
455 military cartridge. In actual combat this proved correct, thus
permitted the use of fighter weapons. The 38 S&W is not a par¬
ticularly satisfactory hunting cartridge because the curved tra¬
jectory limits its use to short ranges. However, it can be improved
for hunting by handloading. Both Remington and Winchester
still offer this cartridge with a 145-146-grain bullet.
38 Smith & Wesson Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
148 Lead
Bullseye 2.5
700
161
Speer
158 Lead
Unique 3.0
700
172
Speer
145 Lead
FL
685
150
Factory load
200 Lead
FL
630
176
British military load
The 38 Double Action 1st Model
9mm Russian Makarov
Historical Notes Current Russian military cartridge used in
the Makarov and Stechkin auto pistols. It was adopted shortly
after the end of WWII, and its design may have been inspired by
an experimental German cartridge called the 9mm Ultra. Other
countries from the former Warsaw Pact also use the round. Chi¬
nese-made Makarov pistols have recently appeared on the sur¬
plus along with 9mm Makarov ammunition.
General Comments The Soviet 9mm pistol cartridge is inter¬
mediate in size and power between the 380 ACP and the 9mm
Luger. Technically, it can be described as a 9x18mm, although it
differs dimensionally from the 9x18 Ultra and is not interchange¬
able with that caliber. It is a well-designed cartridge for its pur¬
pose, although a little underpowered by Western standards. It
would be satisfactory for small game if loaded with hunting-type
bullets. Loading data for the 380 ACP stepped up about 10 per¬
cent would probably work in pistols of this caliber. The Makarov
pistol is of medium size and is similar to the German Walther.
The Stechkin is a selective-fire type that can be used with the hol¬
ster stock as a submachine gun. Both pistols are well made. Speer
and Sierra offer bullets in this caliber for reloading.
9mm Russian Makarov Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
90JHP
Unique
4.3
966
185
Lyman
95 FMJ
AA#5
5.0
909
173
Lyman
95 Lead
Unique
4.0
1016
215
Lyman#364653
100 JHP
Unique
4.1
887
173
Lyman
95 FMJ
FL
1060
237
Military load
8th Edition 257
Chapter 6
380 Short & Long Revolver
Historical Notes The 380 Revolver cartridge is a British inno¬
vation for the Webley revolver and originated about 1868-70. It
was loaded in the U.S. until shortly after WWI. The 38 Short Colt
was copied from it, and most 380 revolvers will accept the Colt ver¬
sion. It has been largely replaced by the inside-lubricated 38 S&W.
General Comments The 380 is in the same class as the 38
Short Colt or 38 S&W, which see for additional information. Use
the same loading data. This ammunition has recently been avail¬
able from Fiocchi.
380 Revolver Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
124 Lead FL 625 110_Factory load
9.8mm Automatic Colt
(9.65 Browning Automatic Colt)
Historical Notes This cartridge is also known as the 9.8 Colt
Auto Pistol and was developed by Colt in about 1912, probably
for the Model 1911 pistol. It was my understanding that this was
part of an effort to secure a contract with the Romanian govern¬
ment whose military didn’t like the 45 ACP. In any event, the
Romanians opted for the 9mm Steyr Model 1912 automatic pistol
produced in Austria. Only a very few Colt pistols in the 9.8mm
caliber were ever made, and the cartridge was not introduced in
this country. However, an identical cartridge appears to have
been produced in Belgium, listed as the 9.65mm Browning Auto¬
matic Pistol. American cartridges are headstamped WRA and
were manufactured by Winchester; the Belgian are marked F.N.
General Comments The 9.8mm Colt is a true 38-caliber with
a bullet diameter that varies from .378- to .381-inch and weighs
130 grains. Actual ballistics are not available at this time, but
the muzzle velocity must have been in excess of 1000 fps which
would put it into the same class as the 38 Automatic. It would
have made a fairly good military or self-defense cartridge. With
all the new handgun cartridges that have appeared in the last
few years, I wonder why someone hasn’t latched onto this
design? Increase the bullet weight to 140 grains and start it out
at 1250 fps and you would have a great self-defense and field
cartridge. It is long obsolete and 9.8mm cartridges are collec¬
tor’s items.
9.8mm Auto matic Colt (9.65 Browning Automatic Colt) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
130FMJ FL 1000 289 Estimated factory load
41 Short Colt
Historical Notes The 41 (Short) Colt uses a heel-base bullet
of about 0.401-inch maximum diameter. One of an entire line of
cartridges designed for application in various revolvers with
cylindrical chambers, this was never a very successful car¬
tridge. The chief complaints involved limited case support on
the bullet and the problems associated with the necessary
external grease grooves which tended to attract dirt. It was
said that this type of cartridge was among the deadliest on the
frontier, not because of its ballistic effect but because the dirt
and grime it carried into even a minor wound was almost cer¬
tain to lead to a fatal infection. The historical reason for the
invention of heel-based cartridges stemmed from the era of the
conversion cap and ball revolver. It was a simple matter to bore
a hole of cylinder mouth diameter full-length through the cylin¬
der. The heel-base bulleted cartridge was invented for use in
guns so converted. The original loading used a 160-grain lead
bullet and 14 grains of blackpowder.
General Comments The 41 Short Colt was never a popular
chambering and offered limited ballistics. It was also very diffi¬
cult to handload properly. Lyman once offered moulds that cast
hollow-base bullets of inside case diameter. These were easier to
load and removed the problem of the external lube groove but
were not sufficiently accurate to engender any following.
258 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
41 Long Colt
Historical Notes Introduced by Colt with their double-action
or Lightning Model revolver in 1877, it was later used in the
New Army, New Navy, Army Special, Single Action Army and
the Bisley. No revolvers have chambered this cartridge since
about the early 1930s. There is also a 41 Short Colt that is iden¬
tical except for case length (.65-inch) and the 160-grain bullet
used. Both were originally blackpowder cartridges using out¬
side-lubricated bullets with a diameter of .410-inch. Smokeless,
inside-lubricated cartridges have hollow-base bullets of .387-
inch diameter.
General Comments Although obsolete for a long time, the 41
Long Colt was for some years fairly popular. It is largely a short-
range number with its slow, heavy bullet, but it has good stop¬
ping power. Its performance can be duplicated by using the
200-grain bullet in the 38 Special. It actually isn’t any more pow¬
erful than the 38 Special and, in addition, is not as accurate nor
as versatile. It was never popular for hunting although it would
certainly be adequate for small to medium game. Cartridges in
this caliber are now collector’s items as there has been no com¬
mercial manufacture for many years.
41 Long Colt Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 Lead
FL
730
235
Factory load
200 Lead
Bullseye 3.4
730
235
Duplicate factory load
38-40 (38 Winchester)
Historical Notes Designed primarily as a rifle cartridge, the
38-40 became a popular handgun chambering. Historical notes
and comments will be found in Chapter 2, Current American
Rifle Cartridges.
40 Smith & Wesson
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed as an in-house joint
venture between Winchester and Smith & Wesson within a matter
of six months from the time it was first discussed in June of1989. Mr.
Bersett at Winchester and Mr. Melvin at S&W were primarily
responsible for this cartridge’s development and standardization.
At the time the FBI had been working with the 10mm Auto¬
matic, developing a load that met their criteria for bullet diameter,
weight and velocity. The folks at Winchester and Smith & Wesson
realized that the power level the FBI had settled on could easily be
achieved using a much shorter cartridge. This would facilitate
accuracy and allow use of a smaller, more comfortable grip frame.
General Comments Until quite recently none of the factory
loads available actually took full advantage of this cartridge’s
potential. Several now offered actually generate about 500 fpe
in typical guns. This is serious power for such a small package
and rivals the best the 45 Automatic can offer. However, there
are no free lunches; such a powerful and compact package
requires comparatively high pressures. High peak pressure and
a short barrel equates to high noise and muzzle blast. Never¬
theless, for its purpose this has to be considered a superior car¬
tridge design. It has already completely eclipsed the similar 41
Action Express.
40 S&W Auto Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
135 JHP
Universal
7.5
1324
524
Hodgdon
155 JHP
Universal
6.6
1186
482
Hodgdon
180 JHP
Universal
5.8
1046
435
Hodgdon
200 JHP
HS7
7.4
907
363
Hodgdon
155 JHP
FL
1140
447
Factory load
155 JHP
FL
1205
500
Factory load
155 FMJ-SWC
FL
1125
436
Factory load
180 JHP
FL
990
392
Factory load
180 JHP
FL
1015
412
Factory load
8th Edition 259
Chapter 6
10mm Automatic
Historical Notes The 10mm Auto was introduced in 1983 as
the cartridge for the Bren Ten semi-auto pistol as manufactured
by the now-defunct Domaus & Dixon Enterprises, Inc. of Hunt¬
ington Beach, California. The ammunition is loaded by Norma
and has a 200-grain full-jacketed bullet with a truncated cone
shape, similar to some 9mm Luger and 45 ACP loads of some
years back. According to data furnished by Norma, the ammuni¬
tion is loaded to a mean working pressure of 37,000 psi with a
maximum pressure of 44,400 psi plus or minus industry toler¬
ance. This is getting up in the area of some rifle loads and makes
this a pretty hot handgun cartridge. Muzzle velocity is listed as
1200 fps and energy at the muzzle as 635 fpe. This makes the car¬
tridge more powerful than the 357 Magnum or the lead bullet
police load of the 41 Magnum. The muzzle energy is about double
that of the 45 ACP. The gun and cartridge are the brain children
of Jeff Cooper and associates who are trying to develop the ideal
combat weapon. Colt and several others now offer the 10mm
chambering.
General Comments The Bren Ten semi-auto pistol was based
on a modification of the much-praised Czech CZ-75 pistol design
and had a 5-inch barrel, 11-shot magazine and weighed 39 ounces.
It was a full-size combat-type pistol intended primarily for law
enforcement/self-defense use but it had many design problems.
The 10mm cartridge should be an ideal combat round with good
stopping power, particularly with an expanding-type bullet. How¬
ever, recoil is quite heavy. It would also be a good field cartridge for
small to medium game or larger animals in the hands of a good
shot and skilled hunter. In the late 1980s, the FBI adopted this cal¬
iber in a slightly reduced loading with a S&W pistol as standard
issue. Problems with the guns have delayed general issue. Evalua¬
tion of its stopping power against determined criminals will require
much more information than is currently available. The ammuni¬
tion was initially quite expensive. This discouraged non-handload-
ers from doing much shooting. All in all, the Bren Ten pistol and
cartridge is an excellent concept for a combat handgun, and it
reflects the extensive background and experience of Jeff Cooper.
Homady, Speer, Sierra and Nosier, offer suitable bullets. The
10mm Auto cartridge is now loaded by Federal, Winchester, Rem¬
ington, CCI and other U.S. ammunition manufacturers. Actual bal¬
listics are generally about 100 fps slower than early factory claims,
therefore, actual 10mm Automatic factory loads do not significant¬
ly exceed 45 Automatic +P ballistics.
10mm Automatic Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
155JHP
Blue Dot
12.0
1250
538
Homady, Sierra
180 JHP
Blue Dot
10.0
1150
529
Homady, Sierra
200 FMJ
Blue Dot
8.5
1100
537
Homady
170 JHP
FL
1340
680
Norma Factors Wad
180 JHP
FL
1030
425
Factory Load
180 JHP
FL
950
361
FBI Factory Load
200 FMC
FL
1200
635
Factory load
41 Action Express
Historical Notes The 41 Action Express (41 AE) was designed
by Evan Whildin, vice president of Action Arms, in 1986. The car¬
tridge is unique among modem handgun cartridges in that it has
a rebated rim that will fit 9mm bolt faces and can be used in guns
originally designed for the 9mm without the need for extensive
changes. The 41 AE is chambered in the Action Arms AT-88,
which is a beefed-up copy of the Czech CZ-75 auto pistol. The car¬
tridge was originally developed with a 170-grain JHP bullet at
1130 fps initial velocity. However, the first commercial ammuni¬
tion, loaded by Samson in Israel and imported into the U.S., has
a 200-grain flat-nose bullet with a muzzle velocity of 1000 fps,
and a 180-grain JHP bullet, also at 1000 fps.
General Comments The 41 AE cannot be readily formed from
any other brass case although it is possible to make cases from
41 Magnum brass by trimming to .866-inch and turning down the
rim on a lathe. This is, in fact, how the first experimental car¬
tridges were made by Evan Whildin. According to Bob Olsen of
Action Arms, the cross sectional area of the bullet is 33 percent
greater than the 9mm, and the bullets are one-third heavier. He
also says that the Samson brass cases have been strengthened so
as to prevent any bulging in blowback guns. Bullet diameter is
the same as the 41 Magnum—.410-inch.
The 41 AE delivers practically the same ballistics as the 41
Magnum police load which should make it an effective police or
self-defense cartridge. The AT-88 pistol is based on a well-proven
design and is accurate and pleasant to shoot. Recoil of the 41 AE
is quite noticeably less than the 45 ACP. The 180-grain load
should be a good field load. However, one can handload cases with
fighter jacketed or cast bullets. Israel Military Industries (Sam¬
son) is the only commercial manufacturer.
41 Action Express Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
170 JHP
Unique
6.9
1100
457
Sierra
170 JHP
Herco
7.1
1100
457
Sierra
210 JHP
Unique
5.5
900
378
Sierra, Homady
180 JHP
FL
1000
400
Factory load
200 FMJ
FL
1000
448
Factory load
260 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
41 Remington Magnum
Historical Notes The 41 Remington Magnum revolver car¬
tridge was introduced in June, 1964 along with the S&W Model
57 revolver. This is a heavy-frame gun, essentially the same as
the older 44 Magnum, but of smaller caliber. The 41 Magnum is
very similar to an old, but little-known wildcat cartridge called
the 400 Eimer. Bullet diameter of the 41 Magnum is a true .410-
inch rather than the .386-.387-inch of the 41 Long Colt. Both a
police load and a more powerful softpoint hunting round were
introduced at the same time.
Like most new cartridges, a number of individuals claim to
have originated or influenced the design of the 41 Magnum. It
might be well in passing to mention that the 400 Eimer appeared
around 1924. Possibly a number of persons working over a period
of time convinced Remington that it would be a good idea to bring
out such a round. Probably Elmer Keith deserves the major cred¬
it. The author is one of few on record as stating flatly he didn’t
have anything to do with it.
General Comments There has been much argument as to the
need for a police cartridge of greater stopping power than the 357
Magnum. Few understand why a blunt 200-grain bullet for the 357
wouldn’t have served this purpose. Also, a lighter 210-grain police
load could have been worked up for the 44 Magnum. However, some¬
one wanted a new cartridge and the 41 Magnum was the result.
Actually, the new round is a more practical all-round hunting
cartridge for the average individual than the 44 Magnum. The
357 is not entirely adequate for big game except in the hands of a
good shot and experienced handgun hunter. The 44 Magnum is
overpowered for anything but big game and most people don’t
shoot very well with it. The 41 Magnum covers the small, medi¬
um game and varmint-through-deer class quite adequately. Its
effectiveness on anything heavier than deer would depend on who
was using it and under what conditions.
Recoil and muzzle blast of the 41 Magnum are slightly less
than the 44 Magnum, but still heavy. The average shooter will
require about as much training and practice to master one as the
other. The 210-grain lead police load with its 1150 fps is relative¬
ly pleasant to shoot and really quite adequate for small game or
varmints at average handgun ranges. Factory-claimed velocities
are for an 83/ 8 -inch barrel. Velocity developed from the 6-inch bar¬
rel is about 1000 fps for the police load and 1360 to 1400 fps for
the softpoint hunting load. In summing up, the 41 Magnum is not
quite as powerful as the 44 Magnum, but it is all the gun the
average handgun hunter needs. A number of police departments
have adopted the 41 Magnum but most have since dropped it in
favor of 9mm Luger or 40 S&W semi-automatic pistols. All major
domestic commercial ammunition makers offer this caliber.
41 Remington Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
170 JHP
2400
21
1400
740
Sierra
210 JHP
296
20
1200
672
Speer, Nosier, Sierra, Hornady
210 JHP
H-110
20
1200
672
Speer, Nosier, Sierra, Hornady
170 JHP
FL
1420
761
Factory load
175 JHP
FL
1250
607
Factory load
210 Lead
FL
965
434
Factory load
210 JHP
FL
1300
788
Factory load
10.4mm Italian Revolver
Historical Notes Developed for the Italian Model 1874 service
revolver, but also used in the Glisenti Model 1889 revolver, it is some¬
times listed as the 10.35 Italian Revolver or 10.35 Glisenti. Black and
smokeless powder ammunition is encountered. Both of the above
revolvers have been sold from time to time in surplus stores.
General Comments The 10.4 Italian cartridge is another one
similar to the 44 S&W Russian. It would be an effective short-
range self-defense or small game hunting number. Ammunition
in this caliber is still commercially available from Fiocchi.
10.4mm Italian Revolver Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
177 Lead
FL
735
212
Blackpowder military load
177 Lead
FL
800
240
Smokeless factory load
8th Edition 261
Chapter 6
44-40 (44 Winchester)
Historical Notes Designed primarily as a rifle cartridge, the shooters carried both a rifle and revolver chambered for it. His-
44-40 became a popular handgun chambering, and many early torical notes and comments will be found in Chapter 2.
44-40 Revolver Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 SP
Unique 11.1
1125
560
Lyman
205 Lead
Unique 10.9
1095
545
Lyman#42798
44 Smith & Wesson Russian
Historical Notes Designed by S&W for their Russian Model
military revolver in 1870, the first models of which were made
for the Imperial Russian Army. A civilian or commercial model
was also manufactured beginning in 1878. The Colt Bisley Tar¬
get Model and their regular single action were available in this
caliber as well as several others. The German firm of Ludwig
Loewe made copies of the S&W Russian Model revolver in the
same caliber.
General Comments Originally loaded with blackpowder, the
44 S&W Russian was one of the most accurate and popular car¬
tridges of its day. It was the favorite of Buffalo Bill Cody and
many other western characters. Good accuracy was reported
clear out to 200 yards, and some of the first precision handgun
shooting was accomplished with this cartridge. It was made obso¬
lete by the 44 S&W Special, which was better suited to the early
smokeless powder. Any gun chambered for the 44 Special or the
44 Magnum will also shoot the 44 Russian. It makes a fairly good
field cartridge, but it is not as good as the 44 Special because of
the old blackpowder revolvers it was used in, and the fact that it
can’t be handloaded to the same level. Cases can be made by
trimming 44 Special brass back to a length of 0.97-inch. Fiocchi
offers 44 Russian ammunition and others will soon offer it for use
in cowboy action shooting.
44 Smith & Wesson Russian Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
246 Lead
FL
770
324
Factory load
246 Lead
Bullseye 3.6
700
265
44 Smith & Wesson Special
Historical Notes With the coming of the bulkier smokeless
powders the 44 Russian cartridge case proved not quite large
enough to permit efficient use of full charges of the new propel¬
lants. Though originally a blackpowder cartridge, the 44 Special
which is about .2-inch longer than the Russian, eliminated this
problem and provided more power as well, while using the same
bullets as the older 44 Russian. The cartridge was introduced
about 1907. Both Colt and S&W made revolvers of this caliber
and a few Spanish and other European revolvers were also made
to handle it. There has been a rebirth of interest in the 44 Special
in the past few years.
General Comments The 44 Special is one of our most accurate
and powerful big-bore revolver cartridges. However, it was never
loaded to its full potential by the factory, and it was left to the
individual handloader to develop truly effective hunting loads.
Experiments by men like Elmer Keith to produce big game poten¬
tial in the caliber culminated in the 44 Magnum. The 44 Special
is still popular for target or field use and can be handloaded to
nearly equal the 44 Magnum. However, revolvers for the 44 Spe¬
cial aren’t strong enough to handle loads as heavy as those used
in Magnum guns. Winchester, Remington and Federal still load
ammunition in this caliber.
44 Smith & Wesson Special Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
180 JHP
231
6.8
900
324
Sierra, Homady
200 JHP
231
6.0
800
284
Speer, Nosier, Homady
240 JHP
HS-6
7.5
750
300
Homady, Speer
200 JHP
FL
900
360
Factory load
200 L-SWC
FL
1035
476
Factory load (Very Optimistic Data)
246 Lead
FL
755
310
Factory load
262 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
44 Auto Mag
Historical Notes Introduced late in 1971, this cartridge was
developed for the Auto Mag pistol designed by Harry Sanford of
Pasadena, California. The gun was also made and marketed for a
few years by High Standard. The cartridge is made by simply cut¬
ting off 30-06 or 308 Winchester cases to a length of 1.30 inches,
inside reaming to make them accept .429-inch diameter bullets and
finally trimming to a length of 1.298 inches. The newly formed brass
is then loaded with standard .429-inch jacketed bullets of 200 to 240
grains weight. For a time, 44 Auto Mag cases were made in Mexico
by Cartuchos Deportivos Mexico and headstamped CDM. Loaded
ammunition was later offered by Norma of Sweden. A few custom
loaders furnished loaded rounds. Loading and trim dies are made by
RCBS. The 44 Auto Mag cartridge was used only in the Auto Mag
semi-auto pistol which is no longer in production.
General Comments The Auto Mag semi-auto pistol operates
on the short recoil principle with a six-lug, front-locking rotary
bolt. Made almost entirely of stainless steel, it has a 6 V 2 -inch bar¬
rel, an overall length of IIV 2 inches and weighs about 3 V 2 pounds.
It was the most powerful commercial semi-auto pistol manufac¬
tured at that time. When loaded to maximum, a 200-grain bullet
can be pushed at over 1500 fps and the 240-grain to 1400 fps.
Unfortunately, the Auto Mag pistol had a rather short, stormy
career marked by more than its share of manufacturing, market¬
ing and mechanical troubles. The 44 Auto Mag pistol was devel¬
oped primarily as a sporting gun. It has been used to take all
kinds of big game including deer, elk, moose and the big brown
bears. It is in the same class as the 44 Magnum revolver. Norma
no longer offers this cartridge.
44 Auto Mag Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
180 JHP
2400
25
1600
1024
Sierra
200 JHP
296
26.5
1500
999
Homady
240 JHP
296
24
1350
972
Sierra, Hornady
240 JHP
H-110
23
1400
1045
Homady
44 Remington Magnum
Historical Notes Developed by Smith & Wesson and Reming¬
ton and introduced in 1955 for a new heavy-frame 44 Magnum
revolver. Ruger, Colt, Smith & Wesson and others make
revolvers for this cartridge. Its development was inspired and
much preliminary work done by Elmer Keith and that group of
hand-cannon fanatics who insisted on the ultimate in handgun
accuracy, range and power. Ruger introduced a semi-auto carbine
in 44 Magnum caliber in 1961, and Marlin introduced their Mod¬
el 94 lever action in 1967.
General Comments In addition to having been, for many
years, the world’s most powerful commercial handgun cartridge,
the 44 Magnum also has a well-deserved reputation for superb
accuracy. It is used more as a field or hunting round than any¬
thing else, but a few police officers favor it because of its ability to
penetrate an automobile body. It takes a seasoned handgunner
to shoot it well as both recoil and muzzle blast are considerable. It
is one of the few commercial handgun cartridges that can be con¬
sidered really adequate for big game. It has been used to take
deer, black bear, elk, moose and the big Alaskan brown bears. It
has often been chambered in rifles, with the Model 1894 Win¬
chester or the Remington Rolling Block action generally used. In
a 20- or 24-inch rifle barrel, the standard factory load will devel¬
op about 1720 fps at the muzzle and 1580 fp of energy. This
equals the energy of the 30-30 rifle cartridge. It is a very flexible
cartridge when handloaded, and can be made to cover any situa¬
tion within the scope of the modem revolver. Very few, if any,
police departments use it because it is simply too much for the
average police officer to handle. Its use in police work is largely a
personal thing. All major manufacturers of commercial ammuni¬
tion offer this cartridge in a wide variety of bullet weights.
44 Remington Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
180 JHP
Unique
14
1500
900
Hornady, Sierra
200 JHP
296
26
1450
934
Hornady, Speer
240 JHP
H-110
23
1350
971
Speer, Homady, Sierra, Nosier
250 FMJ
2400
21
1250
868
Sierra
180 JHP
FL
1610
1035
Factory load
210 JHP
FL
1495
1042
Factory load
210 JHP
FL
1250
729
Factory load
240 Lead
FL
1350
971
Factory Load.
240 JHP
FL
1180
741
Factory load
240 Lead
FL
1000
533
Factory load
240 Lead
FL
1350
971
Factory load
250 FMJ
FL
1180
775
Factory load
8th Edition 263
Chapter 6
44 Smith & Wesson American
Historical Notes This is one of the earliest American centerfire
revolver cartridges. It was used in the Smith & Wesson single¬
action Model 3 revolver, known more generally as the 44 S&W
American model. It is known to have been in use late in 1870 and
was probably introduced as early as 1869. The U.S. Army used
the cartridge and revolver for a short time between 1871 and
1873. The Merwin Hulbert & Co. Army revolver also was made
for this round. Commercial ammunition in black and smokeless
types was manufactured until about 1940.
General Comments The 44 S&W American is another obso¬
lete blackpowder number that survived an amazing number of
years. It used an outside-lubricated bullet of the same diameter
as the 44 S&W Russian inside the case, and a slightly larger
diameter outside the case. Ammunition with both Boxer- and
Berdan-type primers was loaded. Reloadable cases can probably
be made by reforming 44 Magnum brass, and dies to do this are
available from RCBS. Revolvers for this cartridge are of the old¬
er blackpowder type and loads should be kept mild. The 44
American could be used for hunting at short range, but there are
better and more modem cartridges available. In power it is com¬
parable to the 41 Long Colt. Cartridges in this caliber are now
collector’s items.
44 Smith & Wesson American Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
218 Lead
FFg 25.0
660
196
Factory load
200 Lead
Unique 5.5
765
259
Lyman#419180
205 Lead
FL
682
212
Factory load
44 Webley/442 RIC
Historical Notes The 44 Webley originated in 1868 for the Web-
ley Royal Irish Constabulary model revolver. In England it is list¬
ed as the 442 Revolver Center Fire. In the U.S. it was loaded as
the 44 Webley up to about 1940. At least one model H&R revolver
chambered it. It was also loaded in Europe where it is called the
10.5xl7Rmm or 442 Kurz (DWM #221). It is now obsolete.
General Comments The 44 Webley was popular for use in
pocket-type or self-defense pistols. In power it is in about the
same class as the 41 Long Colt or 44 S&W American. It has much
better stopping power than some of the smaller calibers, but is
strictly a short-range proposition. Original loading was 15 to 19
grains of blackpowder and a 200- or 220-grain bullet. Late manu¬
factured ammunition used smokeless powder. It is long obsolete
and cartridges in this caliber are now collector’s items.
44 Webley/442 RIC Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 Lead
FL
715
230
Remington factory load
220 Lead
FL
700
239
Kynoch factory load
264 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
44 Bull Dog
Historical Notes The 44 Bull Dog appears to have originated
about 1880, perhaps a year or two prior to that. The first refer¬
ence the author could locate was in the 1880 Homer Fisher gun
catalog reproduced in L.D. Satterlee’s Ten Old Gun Catalogs.
British Webley Bull Dog revolvers are advertised therein. Amer¬
ican companies loaded the round up to about 1938-39. The 1933
Winchester catalog lists it as for “Webley, British Bull Dog and
H&R revolvers.”
General Comments The Bull Dog-type pocket revolver was
quite popular through the late 1800s. The 44 Bull Dog cartridge
was much superior to some of the rimfire calibers of that period. It
provided reasonably good short-range stopping power in a fairly
compact gun. However, it is solely a short-range, self-defense round
of little value for anything else. It is in the same general class as the
41 Short Colt. The cartridge has been obsolete for a good many
years. Both black and smokeless loadings are encountered.
44 Bull Dog Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
168-170 Lead FL 460 80 Factory load
44 Colt
Historical Notes The 44 Colt is yet another blackpowder car¬
tridge of importance primarily because it was once used by the U.S.
Army. It was introduced about 1871 and used by the Army from
then until 1873. It was used in the metallic cartridge conversion of
the Colt 1860 percussion revolver, and could also be fired in the
Remington Model 1875 44 Army revolver. Commercial ammunition
was loaded in black and smokeless powder types up to about 1940.
General Comments The 44 Colt uses an outside-lubricated
bullet and is similar to the 44 S&W American, but has a longer
case of slightly larger diameter. Early ammunition used the
inside Benet cup and Martin folded-type primers. Ammunition
has become a collector’s item and revolvers for this cartridge are
very seldom encountered. Ballistically it is about the same as the
44 S&W American.
44 Colt Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
210
Bullseye 4.0
700
226
Lyman#429185
210 Lead
FFg 23
660
206
Factory blackpowder load
225 Lead
FFg 23
640
207
Blackpowder military load
210 Lead
FL
660
206
Factory load
225 Lead
FL
640
207
Factory load
8th Edition 265
Chapter 6
11.75mm Montenegrin Revolver
Historical Notes Cartridge for the obsolete Montenegrin and
Austro-Hungarian revolvers based on the Gasser system. The
round was introduced about 1870 and is also known as the 11mm
Austrian Gasser and 11.25x36mm Montenegrin. The revolver for
the cartridge is a large, massive hinged-frame type weighing
around 4 V 2 pounds. G. Roth manufactured ammunition (#287)
and apparently so did a number of other companies including a
few lots made by Winchester. Both the 11.75mm cartridge and
revolver are now in the realm of the collector.
General Comments The 11.75mm is quite a large revolver
cartridge, being longer and larger in diameter than the 44 Mag¬
num. The 282- to 313-grain .445-inch bullet is also unusually
heavy for a handgun cartridge. As a blackpowder number, it
should have knockdown and stopping power on a par with the
44 S&W Special or the 45 Colt, possibly better with the heavier
bullet. The author has no loading data, but has been told
ammunition can be made by shortening and reworking empty
45-70 cases.
11.75mm Montenegrin Revolver Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
282-313 Lead FL 700 328
Source
Factory load
11mm French Ordnance Revolver
y
Historical Notes Early French military cartridge for the Model
1873 Ordnance Revolver. It became obsolete in 1892 on adoption
of the smaller 8mm Lebel revolver and cartridge. A few of the old
M73 revolvers have been sold in surplus stores, however, ammu¬
nition is very scarce. Evidently, the 11mm refers to bore diameter
as barrels measure close to 0.451-inch across the grooves.
General Comments Most military establishments of the peri¬
od around 1870 used similar handgun cartridges, usually of 43-,
44- or 45-caliber. The 11mm French round is another one not
very much different than the 44 S&W Russian. Satisfactory
ammunition can probably be made by shortening and reforming
44 S&W Special brass. Lyman #42798 (205 grains) cast bullets
can be used although undersized. Bullet #452460 (200 grains)
can also be used if swaged down to about .447-.450-inch. There
really isn’t an entirely satisfactory bullet for this particular car¬
tridge. Power is a little less than the 44 S&W Russian, but the
11mm French cartridge would make an effective short-range
self-defense or small game field round. Ammunition in this cal¬
iber has been obsolete for many years. Cartridges are scarce col¬
lector’s items.
11mm French Ordnance Revolver Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
180 Lead FL 695 195 Blackpowder military load
11mm German Service Revolver
Historical Notes Cartridge for the German 1879 and 1883
model service revolvers. It has been obsolete since 1904, but a few
of these revolvers were used in WWI and even the last stages of
WWII. The cartridge is also listed as the 10.6 or 10.8mm German
service or ordnance revolver load (DWM #200 & 200A). Moderate
numbers of the above revolvers have been sold by surplus dealers
in the U.S. This cartridge used a heeled bullet of about 0.451 inch
maximum diameter.
General Comments The 11mm German ordnance cartridge
bears a close resemblance to the 44 S&W Russian. The two are of
the same power. The old German revolvers were designed for
blackpowder and only low pressure smokeless loads should be
fired in them. Ammunition can be made by shortening and
reforming 44 S&W Special cases. This caliber is obsolete. Ammu¬
nition has become a collector’s item.
11mm German Service Revolver Factory Ballistics_
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
262 Lead FL 700 288 Blackpowder military load
266 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
45 Winchester Magnum
Historical Notes The 45 Magnum was first listed in the 1979
Winchester gun and ammunition catalog although reports of the
impending release were circulating some 2 years earlier. The car¬
tridge is used in the on-again-off-again Wildey gas-operated semi¬
automatic pistol and has also been adopted as a standard
chambering for the Thompson/Center Contender single shot pis¬
tol. The cartridge is essentially an elongated version of the 45
ACP. Both the gun and the cartridge were developed initially for
silhouette competition, but with the ballistics developed (a 230-
grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1400 fps) the cartridge should
prove an effective hunting round.
General Comments The 45 Winchester Magnum develops 72
percent higher velocity and 200 percent greater muzzle energy
than the standard 45 ACP and is in the same class as the 44 Mag¬
num revolver cartridge. With its rimless case, it would be a nat¬
ural for eventual use in a semi-automatic rifle. Having made this
suggestion, if it ever comes to pass, the author can now claim that
it was all his idea. The Wildey 45 Magnum along with the 44
Auto Mag, the Desert Eagle and the LAR Grizzly are the only
automatic pistols that truly qualify as big game handguns. The
potential is there for a fine combination silhouette and hunting
pistol. The price is high, and for strictly silhouette shooting, the
much lower-priced Thompson/Center Contender in the same cal¬
iber might appeal to many potential buyers. The availability of
commercial ammunition with hunting-type bullets would also be
a factor, although there is a good variety of such bullets available
to the handloader.
45 Winchester Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
185 JHP
Blue Dot
20.0
1850
1406
Homady
200 JHP
2400
22.5
1500
999
Speer
225 JHP
H110
26
1500
1124
Speer
230 FMJ
Blue Dot
17
1550
1227
Hornady
260 JHP
296
25.0
1500
1300
Speer
230 FMJ
FL
1400
1001
Winchester factory load
All of the above loads were developed in a Thompson/Center Contender pistol with a 10-inch barrel.
These loads are not recommended for any other handgun.
45 Webley
Historical Notes The earliest reference the author could locate
regarding the 45 Webley was in the 1876 James Brown & Son
gun catalog.* However, it may have originated a year or two ear¬
lier. American companies manufactured it up to about 1939. The
1933 Winchester catalog says it is for “Webley and Bull Dog dou¬
ble action revolvers.” It is obsolete.
General Comments The 45 Webley is similar to the 450
Revolver cartridge, but has a slightly longer case. The two will
interchange in most revolvers. Originally a blackpowder cartridge,
the 45 Webley was loaded with 20 grains of powder and a 230-grain
bullet. Smokeless powder was also used in late loadings. In power
it is in the same class as the 41 Short Colt, but probably has supe¬
rior stopping power because of the larger heavier bullet. Ammuni¬
tion could probably be made by cutting off 455 Webley cases.
*L.D. Satterlee op. cit.
45 Webley Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
230 Lead FL 550 150 U.S. factory load
8th Edition 267
Chapter 6
45 Automatic Rim
Historical Notes During WWI, both Colt and Smith & Wesson
manufactured revolvers for the 45 Automatic cartridge. This
required the use of a half-moon clip to support and then eject the
rimless 45 Automatic. Thousands of these revolvers were sold on
the civilian market after the war ended. In 1920, the Peters Car¬
tridge Company introduced a rimmed version of the 45 ACP
which eliminated the need for half-moon clips in the revolver. It
was also loaded with a lead bullet to reduce excessive wear on the
rifling inherent in the use of the jacketed 45 ACP.
General Comments The 45 Auto-Rim (45 Automatic Rimmed),
while practically identical in performance to the 45 ACP, is prob¬
ably a better field or hunting cartridge because it can be hand-
loaded with semi-wadcutter, hollowpoint and other lead hunting
bullets. Using such bullets at slightly increased velocity, it is
every bit as good as the 45 Colt revolver cartridge for small
through medium game. Many war surplus 455 Webley revolvers
have been altered to shoot the 45 Auto-Rim, and many of these
are used in the field. The cartridge is probably more widely used
than at anytime since it was introduced. This cartridge is no
longer offered by commercial ammunition makers.
45 Automatic Rim Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
185 JHP
Bullseye 5.5
850
297
Homady
200
Bullseye 4.90
750
250
Homady, Sierra
230
Unique 6.6
800
327
Speer, Sierra
230 Lead
FL
805
331
Factory load
Any safe load for the 45 ACP can also be used in the 45 Auto-Rim with about the same results.
45 Automatic Short
Historical Notes In many countries such as Italy, France and
Mexico it is illegal for private citizens to own semi-automatic pis¬
tols in military calibers such as 45 ACP. Gun owners in these
countries created a strong demand for a powerful, semi-auto pis¬
tol in a non-military caliber. The 45 ACP Short was developed in
response to the demand. It is sometimes called the 45 HP.
This cartridge uses a 45 ACP case shortened by 1 millimeter.
All other case dimensions remain the same. A standard 230-grain
FMJ bullet is used, and muzzle velocity is identical to the 45
ACP. Pistols originally designed for the 45 ACP cartridge can
quickly be converted to the Short simply by installing a new bar¬
rel. All other parts remain the same.
General Comments Because the chamber of the 45 ACP Short
is shorter than the 45 ACP, the latter round will not chamber in
a 45 Short barrel. The letter of the law in the appropriate coun¬
tries is, therefore, preserved, while shooters can still obtain 45
ACP performance. The 45 ACP is famous for its stopping power,
and the Short offers identical ballistics. Loading data for the two
is interchangeable. With the Western European Union consoli¬
dating firearms laws, the prohibition against private ownership
of pistols in military calibers will soon be ended. Therefore, the
purpose for which the 45 ACP Short exists will be ended and this
caliber will become obsolete. Only Hirtenberger AG of Austria
has commercially loaded this ammunition.
45 Automatic Short Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
230 FMJ FL 835 356 Hirtenberger factory load
268 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
45 Automatic (45 Automatic +P/45 ACP)
Historical Notes Developed by John Browning in 1905 and
adopted by the United States Ordnance Department, with the
Colt-Browning automatic pistol, in 1911, it has also been made
the official military handgun caliber by several other govern¬
ments, notably Argentina, Mexico and Norway. The 45 Auto¬
matic is the most powerful military handgun cartridge in use
today. It is also one of the most difficult to master. The Colt
Government Model auto pistol and the Colt and Smith & Wes¬
son Army Model 1917 Model revolvers are the principal arms
chambered for the 45 ACP in the United States. Ruger, S&W,
Springfield and Numrich now also offer guns in this caliber.
Several submachine guns have used it, and about 1943 a num¬
ber of Reising semi-automatic rifles were marketed in this cal¬
iber. Imitations of the Colt auto pistol have been made in
Argentina, China, Korea, Norway and Spain and the U.S. It
was replaced as of 1985 as the official U.S. military handgun
cartridge by the 9mm Parabellum. However, it remains in the
U.S. Marine Corp service and has proven increasingly popular
with police agencies in the U.S.
General Comments The 45 ACP has been proven in combat all
over the world as having excellent stopping power. It has also
developed into a first-class match cartridge with accuracy equal
to the best. It requires a good deal of practice for the average per¬
son to develop any degree of skill with this cartridge, particularly
when fired in the Colt Government Model semi-automatic. It is
used far more for target shooting than hunting, its curved trajec¬
tory limiting its effective range. Despite this, it is quite adequate
for any small or medium game. Like all the other semi-auto pistol
cartridges, it is a better hunting round with softpoint and hollow-
point bullets. A number of police departments have switched
from the 38 Special to the 45 ACP in the last few years. All major
and minor commercial ammunition manufacturers offer this cal¬
iber. After several years of declining sales, it is enjoying a resur¬
gence of popularity.
45 Automatic (45 ACP/45 Auto) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
185 JHP
Bullseye
5.0
900
333
Hornady, Sierra, Nosier
200 JHP
Blue Dot
10.0
900
360
Speer, Sierra
230 FMJ
Bullseye
5.0
800
327
Nosier, Speer, Sierra
230 FMJ
Unique
6.0
800
327
Speer, Nosier, Hornady, Sierra
185 FMJSWC
FL
770
244
Factory load
185 JHP
FL
1000
411
Factory load
185 JHP
FL
1140
534
Factory load (+P)
230 FMJ
FL
835
356
Factory load
230 JHP
FL
875
391
Factory load
230 FMJ
FL
855
405
Military load
454 Casull
Historical Notes The 454 Casull, originally called the 454 Mag¬
num Revolver, was developed by by Dick Casull and Jack Fulmer
in 1957. The first public announcement was made by P.O. Ackley
in the November, 1959 issue of Guns & Ammo magazine. Solid-
head 45 Colt cases and specially-altered Colt and Ruger single¬
action revolvers were used for initial development. The 454
Casull employs a special case made by Federal that is 0.1-inch
longer than standard 45 Colt to prevent it from chambering in 45
Colt revolvers. A five-shot, single-action revolver designed by
Dick Casull and manufactured by Freedom Arms Co. is cham¬
bered for this caliber. The revolver is made of stainless steel
throughout, has a 7V2-inch barrel and weighs 50 ounces in stan¬
dard configuration. Ammunition is loaded and marketed by Free¬
dom Arms and Black Hills Ammunition.
General Comments The 454 Casull is primarily a hunting car¬
tridge, although it will probably also find acceptance among metal¬
lic silhouette shooters. The 454 Casull is one of the most powerful
revolver cartridges available. Anyone who contemplates hunting
dangerous game with a handgun should give serious considera¬
tion to the 454 Casull and Freedom Arms revolver. For those wish¬
ing a reduced load, standard 45 Colt ammunition can be fired in
the 454 revolver. There has been a persistent call for a 45 mag¬
num revolver ever since the 44 Magnum was introduced, and the
454 certainly provides all that could be desired in 45 caliber.
454 Casull Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
240 FA JHP
AA#9
31.0
1916
1955
Accurate
260 FAJFP
AA#9
30.0
1835
1945
Accurate
300 H XTP
AA#9
26.0
1623
1755
Accurate
260 JHP
FL
1723
1730
Factory load
300 JHP
FL
1353
1220
Factory load
8th Edition 269
Chapter 6
455 Revolver Mk II
455 Webley Revolver, Mk II
Historical Notes British military revolver cartridge adopted in
1897 and designated the 455 Revolver Mk II. It is a modification
of an earlier round originally designed for blackpowder (455
Revolver Mk I). Modem revolvers will chamber and fire either
the old or new cartridge. The 455 Webley was used officially in
both WWI and II, although it was partly replaced by the 380/200
(38 S&W) adopted in the mid-1930s. In addition to the Webley
revolver, both Colt and Smith & Wesson chambered arms for this
cartridge. Ammunition was loaded by American companies up to
about 1940.
General Comments The 455 Webley Revolver cartridge was
never very popular or widely used in the United States because
standard American sporting and military arms in 45 ACP caliber
were more easily obtainable. However, after WWII many obsolete
455 revolvers were sold at low prices in the U.S., and this
changed the situation somewhat. It is better known and more
widely used than previously, but most 455 revolvers have been
altered to shoot the 45 ACP, using half-moon clips or the rimmed
45 Auto-Rim. The 455 Revolver is not a very satisfactory field car¬
tridge because of the low velocity and curved trajectory. On the
other hand, it has excellent short-range stopping power. It can be
improved by handloading and the use of semi-wadcutter hunting-
type bullets. It is now obsolete. Commercial ammunition is cur¬
rently offered by Fiocchi of Italy.
455 Revolver Mk II Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
260 Lead
Unique 5.0
610
213
262 FMJ
FL
700
285
Fiocchi factory load
265 FMJ
FL
600
220
Military load
45 Smith & Wesson
(45 S&W Schofield)
Historical Notes An obsolete blackpowder cartridge introduced
in 1875 for the Smith & Wesson Schofield revolver. This revolver
was adopted by the U.S. Army in that year and used until 1892
when it, and the 45 Colt Army revolver, were replaced by the Colt
Army & Navy Model in 38-caliber. Commercial ammunition of
this caliber was loaded until about 1940. It is believed by some
authorities that General Custer used a Schofield revolver at the
Battle of the Little Big Horn.
General Comments The Smith & Wesson Schofield revolver
was a single-action, hinged-frame type. It employed a special,
heavy barrel latch designed by General Schofield, hence the
name. The cylinder of this revolver was not long enough to
accept the 45 Colt so a shorter version was designed. The 45
S&W cartridge was loaded by government arsenals and used
in both the Schofield model and the Colt Army to simplify sup¬
ply. The 45 S&W can be used in almost any 45 Colt revolver,
but the reverse is not true. Although the Colt single-action
Army revolver is the one always depicted as the universal
sidearm of the old West, nonetheless the S&W was quite popu¬
lar. These old guns were made for blackpowder so heavy
smokeless charges should not be used. This cartridge and
handgun are again in production with Black Hills Ammunition
supplying loads that duplicate the original and Navy Arms a
replica of the gun.
45 Smith & Wesson (45 S&W Shofield) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
230 Lead
Bullseye 4.6
740
277
230 Lead
FFFg 28
730
276
Blackpowder load
250 Lead
FFFg 28
710
283
Factory blackpowder load
230 Lead
FL
730
276
Factory smokeless load
250 Lead
FL
710
283
Factory smokeless load
270 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
45 Colt
Historical Notes Introduced in 1873 by Colt as one of the car¬
tridges for their famous “Peacemaker” single-action revolver,
both the cartridge and the revolver were adopted by the U.S.
Army in 1875. This served as our official handgun caliber until
1892 (some 17 years), when it was replaced by the 38 Long Colt.
The 45 Colt is one of the cartridges that helped civilize and settle
the American West. It was originally a blackpowder number
loaded with 40 grains of FFg powder and a 255-grain lead bullet.
Muzzle velocity of the original load exceeded 810 fps. The Ruger
and several other single-action revolvers currently chamber it.
General Comments One of the most famous American hand¬
gun cartridges and still a favorite with big-bore advocates, the 45
Colt has been around for well over 120 years. It is extremely accu¬
rate and has more knockdown and stopping power than nearly
any common handgun cartridge except the 44 Magnum. It is a
popular field caliber and can be handloaded to velocities in excess
of 1000 fps. Old model blackpowder revolvers should not be used
with any load developing more than about 900 fps muzzle veloci¬
ty. Although it has a larger case than the 45 ACP or the 45 Auto-
Rim, it is not quite as efficient with smokeless powder. Using
special revolvers, some very heavy loads have been worked up for
the 45 Colt that put it in almost the same class as the 44 Mag¬
num. Such loads should not be attempted except by an experi¬
enced person who fully understands what he is about and is using
those loads in a revolver that will stand the pressures generated
by those heavy loads. This is another cartridge that has devel¬
oped a rebirth of interest. Federal, Remington and Winchester all
offer this caliber.
45 Colt Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
185 JHP
700X
9.0
1100
497
Sierra
225 JHP
Unique
9.0
950
451
Speer
240 JHP
Unique
8.7
850
385
Sierra
250 JHP
IMR 4227
17
800
355
Homady, Nosier
250 JHP
Unique
7.5
800
355
Homady
260 JHP
IMR 4227
16
850
417
Speer
225 JHP
FL
920
423
Factory load
255 Lead
FL
860
420
Factory load
450 Revolver/450 Adams
Historical Notes The first centerfire revolver cartridge adopted
by the British army, it was adopted for the Adams revolver
November, 1868 and saw service until replaced by the 476 Enfield
(Mks I and II) in 1880. It was not a satisfactory military round but
became a popular commercial caliber. American companies loaded
it to about 1940 and both Colt and Smith & Wesson chambered
revolvers for it. Also loaded in Europe, it is now obsolete. It is often
listed as the 450 Short, 450 Adams or 450 Colt. A 450 Mk III was
used in WWI as a reserve arm/cartridge in Britain.
General Comments The 450 Revolver cartridge was original¬
ly a blackpowder round loaded with 13 grains of blackpowder
and a 225-grain bullet. Smokeless loads were also manufac¬
tured. The 450 can be fired in any 455 Webley revolver, and it
was often used as a light target load. It is in about the same
class as the old 44 S&W Russian and makes a fairly good short-
range self-defense cartridge. Ammunition can be made from cut
off 455 Webley cases. It has been obsolete for many years. Fioc-
chi still offers this cartridge.
450 Revolver (450 Adams) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
225 Lead
FL
650
211
Kynoch factory blackpowder load
225 Lead
FL
700
245
Kynoch factory smokeless load
226 Lead
FL
700
245
Fiocchi factory load
8th Edition 271
Chapter 6
455 Webley Automatic
Historical Notes The 455 Webley, semi-rimmed, pistol car¬
tridge was adopted by the British Navy in 1912 for use in the 455
Webley self-loading pistol. The pistol was not entirely satisfacto¬
ry and was replaced by the end of WWI. The cartridge resembles
the 45 ACP, but uses a very blunt-pointed bullet.
General Comments This cartridge has seen very little use in
the United States, although a number of Webley pistols in this
caliber were sold in military surplus stores after WWII. In per¬
formance it is quite similar to the 45 ACP. Because of the rela¬
tively low velocity, it is not as good a field cartridge as the 45
ACP, but at short range would have comparable stopping power.
It is long obsolete.
455 Webley Automatic Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
200 Lead Unique 6.2 775 265 Lyman#452460
224 FMJ_FL_700 247 Military load
455 Revolver Mk 1/455 Colt
Historical Notes The 455 Revolver Mk I was adopted by the
British army in 1892 to replace the 476 Mk III and the 455
Enfield Mk I ammunition. Despite the different caliber desig¬
nation, these two cartridges actually have the same case
dimensions. They differ only in bullet diameter, type, and con¬
struction. The 476 was a blackpowder cartridge and so was the
455 Mk I at its inception. However, in 1894 the propellant was
changed to the then new Cordite, and after a few years, it was
found the smokeless powder burned more efficiently in a
shorter case. Consequently a shorter case was adopted in
1897, and this altered round was designated the 455 Revolver
Mk II. This is the present 455 Webley familiar to American
shooters. It has a case 0.11-inch to 0.14-inch shorter than the
original round.
The 455 Colt is nothing more than the Colt commercial desig¬
nation of the 455 Revolver Mk I in a somewhat improved loading.
It is listed in various publications and was loaded by American
companies under this name, but was discontinued in the late
1930s. It is not a Colt designed cartridge, but does have different
ballistics than the British Mk I. Later, the new cartridge dimen¬
sions were adopted and this round called the 455 Colt Mk II.
General Comments The 455 Mk 1,455 Mk II, 455 Colt and the
original 476 Revolver are all interchangeable and can be fired in
early British service arms. The 450 Revolver cartridge can also
be fired in 455 revolvers. However, the 455 Webley is the only one
still commercially loaded. Use the same bullet and 455 Webley
loading data for any of the 455 cartridges listed here. Power and
performance are the same.
455 Revolver Mk 1,455 Colt Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
265 Lead
FL
700
289
Kynoch blackpowder factory load
265 Lead
FL
600
212
Kynoch Cordite factory load
265 Lead
FL
757
337
U.S. smokeless factory load
476 Eley/476 Enfield Mk III
Historical Notes British military cartridge used from late 1881
to mid-1891, when the 455 Webley Revolver cartridge, Mk I was
introduced. Sometimes called the 455/476, this round has the same
case and bullet dimensions as the 455 Mk I except the latter is
.05mm shorter in case length. Unlike the 476 Mk II, the Mk III has
a clay plug in the hollow base. The charge was 18 grains of black-
powder. Also known as the 476 Eley and 476 Revolver, the Mk III
can be used in any British service 455, but the bullet may be a bit
oversized for use in 455 Colts or S&Ws of late manufacture.
General Comments The 476 has caused much confusion
among collectors. Here are the facts, we believe: In November,
1868, the British army adopted the 450 Adams revolver cartridge
(which see). Generally unsatisfactory, nevertheless the 450 was
used in WWI as a reserve weapon, a Mk III 450 cartridge intro¬
duced at the same time. The 450 was officially replaced in 1880
by the 476 Enfield Mk I, shortly followed by the 476 Mk III as
outlined above. In July, 1891, the 455 Mk I Webley appeared, a
blackpowder load soon followed by the 455 Mk I, Cordite round
(6.5 grains) in Sept., 1894. At about the same time the .442 car¬
tridge for the R.I.C. was adopted (June 4,1892), made in only one
Mark as a service round; there was also, as there were with about
all of these British handgun cartridges, blank cartridges in use.
The 455 Mk II, Cordite, was adopted July, 1897, this being the
first “short” case load, case length being reduced to 19mm from
the original 22mm. A Mk III round, approved Feb., 1898, and a
Mk IV, approved May, 1912, both Cordite-loaded, were dropped
because of bullet form; both were considered of “dum-dum” or
“explosive” quality. The last of the 455 ball cartridges was the Mk
VI, adopted Sept., 1939, carrying a jacketed bullet and loaded
with Cordite (5.5-7.5 grains) or nitrocellulose (5.5 grains), though
a Mk V had briefly appeared, like the Mk IV but with antimony
in the bullet as a hardening agent.
272 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
50 Action Express
Historical Notes The 50 Action Express (50 AE) was devel¬
oped in 1988 for the IMI Desert Eagle semi-auto pistol imported
by Magnum Research, Inc. It is another development by Evan
Whildin, then of Action Arms. It was part of a program to
upgrade the performance of the semi-auto pistol through new
cartridge design. The 50 AE has the same rim diameter, case
length and overall length as the 44 Magnum. However, the base
diameter is .547-inch, so like the 41 AE the 50 AE has a rebat¬
ed rim. The reason is so the cartridge can be chambered in the
Desert Eagle pistol without making any changes in the basic
design. The pistol is already chambered for the 44 Magnum,
and by retaining the same rim diameter, the change in caliber
to 50 AE will require only a new barrel. This is a very practical
approach.
General Comments The 50 AE uses a .500-inch diameter bul¬
let weighing 325 grains at a muzzle velocity of 1400fps. The 300-
grain bullet at 1400 fps develops 1414 fpe, which makes the 50
AE one of the world’s most powerful pistol cartridges. It is an
excellent field cartridge for deer-size animals or as a backup
when hunting dangerous game.
50 Action Express Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
300 JHP
AAC7 27.5
1579
1568
Accurate Arms
325 Speer U-C
AA1680 37.8
1305
1227
Accurate
325 JHP
FL
1400
1414
50 Remington (M71 Army)
Historical Notes Introduced in its original version as the 50
Remington Pistol, Navy Model 1867. The cartridge listed here is
the 1871 Army modification. Both were used in slightly different
models of the Remington single shot rolling block pistol. The old¬
er Navy cartridge had a straight, tapered case, the Army-type a
slight, but distinct bottleneck. The Army cartridge also had a
larger diameter rim that prevented it being fired in the Navy pis¬
tol. However, the Navy cartridge would chamber and fire OK in
the Army pistol. Commercial ammunition of this caliber was
available until about 1920, and used the Navy dimensions.
Ammunition was loaded by both Remington and Winchester.
General Comments This is an obsolete blackpowder cartridge
of the early centerfire-type originally made with an inside primer.
It has been included to complete the record of U.S. military car¬
tridges. The old Remington rolling block pistols are much
esteemed for conversion to modern cartridges and for target
shooting. Standard load was 25 grains of FFg blackpowder. This
large heavy bullet should have been a good man-stopper and
would certainly be adequate for the usual run of small to medium
game at short range. Ammunition for the Army-type pistol can
be made from 50-70 brass. Cases with the early inside primers
are not reloadable. Some commercial cartridges made with Boxer
primers could be reloaded. Cartridges in these two calibers are
now collector’s items.
50 Remington (M71 Army) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
265 Lead
Unique 7.0
750
330
Lymar>#518144
300 Lead
FL
600
240
Military load
8th Edition 273
Chapter 6
PISTOL & REVOLVER CARTRIDGES OF THE WORLD
Current and Obsolete Centerfire—Blackpowder and Smokeless
Dimensional Data
Cartridge
Case
type
Bullet
dia.
Neck
dia.
Shoulder
dia.
Base
dia.
Rim
dia.
Case
length
Ctge.
length
Twist
Primer
2.7mm Kolibri
D
.107
.139
_
.140
.140
0.37
0.43
?
B
3mm Kolibri
D
.120
.150
—
.150
.150
0.32
0.43
?
B
4.25mm Liliput
D
.167
.198
—
.198
.198
0.41
0.56
?
B
5mm Clement Auto
C
.202
.223
.277
.281
.281
0.71
1.01
?
B
5mm Beramann
D
.203
.230
—
.273
.274
0.59
0.96
?
B
5.45x18mm Soviet
C
.210
.220
—
.300
.300
.700
.98
?
S-B
22 Remington Jet
A
.223
.247
.350
.376
.440
1.28
1.58
10
S
221 Fire Ball
C
.224
.251
.355
.375
.375
1.40
1.82
14
S
5.5mm Velo Dog
B
.225
.248
—
.253
.308
1.12
1.35
8.2
S-B
25 Automatic
D
.251
.276
—
.277
.298
0.62
0.91
16
S
256 Winchester Mag.
A
.257
.277
.378
.378
.440
1.30
1.53
14
S
6.5mm Bergmann
C
.264
.289
.325
.367
.370
0.87
1.23
?
B
7mm Nambu
C
.280
.296
.337
.351
.359
0.78
1.06
12.5
B
7mm Bench Rest
C
.284
Based on Rem. 308 BR case shortened to 1.502
S
7.62mm Naaant (Russian)
B
.295
.286
—
.335
.388
1.53
1.53
9.5
B
7.65mm Roth-Sauer
D
.301
.332
—
.335
.335
0.51
0.84
14.2
B
7.62mm RussianTokarev
C
.307
.330
.370
.380
.390
0.97
1.35
10
B
30 Borchardt
C
.307
.331
.370
.385
.390
0.99
1.34
?
S-B
7.63 (7.65) Mannlicher
D
.308
.331
—
.332
.334
0.84
1.12
10
B
30 (7.65mm)J-uger
C
.308
.322
.374
.388
.391
0.75
1.15
9.8
S-B
30 (7.63mm) Mauser
c
.308
.332
.370
.381
.390
0.99
1.36
7.9
S-B
35S&W Auto
D
.309
.345
—
.346
.348
0.67
0.97
12
S
32 Automatic
H
.309
.336
—
.336
.354
0.68
1.03
16
S
7.65mm MAS (French)
D
.309
.336
—
.337
.337
0.78
1.19
?
B
32S&W
B
.312
.334
—
.335
.375
0.61
0.92
16-18
S
32 S&W Long
B
.312
.335
—
.335
.375
0.93
1.27
16-18
S
32 H&R Mag.
B
.312
.333
—
.333
.371
1.08
1.35
16
S
32 Long & Short Colt
B
.313
.313
—
.318
.374
0.92
1.26
16
S
32 Colt
B
?
.313
—
.318
.374
?
1.26
16
S
320 Revolver
B
.317
.320
—
.322
.350
0.62
0.90
22
B
7.5mm Swiss Armv
B
.317
.335
—
.345
.407
0.89
1.29
?
B
8mm Rast-Gasser
B
.320
.332
—
.334
.376
1.037
1.391
—
—
8mm Nambu
G
.320
.338
.388
.408
.413
0.86
1.25
11
B
8mm Lebel Revolver
B
.323
.350
—
.384
.400
1.07
1.44
9.5
B
7.5mm Nagant (Swedish)
B
.325
.328
—
.350
.406
0.89
1.35
18
B
8mm Roth-Steyr
D
.329
.353
—
.355
.356
0.74
1.14
10
B
9mm Ultra
D
.355
.374
—
.386
.366
0.72
1.03
?
S-B
9mm Browning Long
D
.355
.376
—
.384
.404
0.80
1.10
12-16
B
9mm Gilsenti
D
.355
.380
—
.392
.393
0.75
1.15
10
B
9x21 mm
D
.355
.380
—
.392
.393
.830
1.16
10
S
9mm Bayard
D
.355
.375
—
.390
.392
0.91
1.32
?
B
9mm Steyr
D
.355
.380
—
.380
.381
0.90
1.30
?
B
9mm Federal
B
.355
.382
—
.386
.435
0.754
1.163
9
S
9mm Luger
D
.355
.380
—
.392
.393
0.754
1.16
9.8
S-B
9mm Mauser
D
.355
.376
—
.389
.390
.981
1.38
1-12
B
9mm Winchester Maa.
D
.355
.379
—
.392
.394
1.16
1.545
1-10
S
380 Automatic (9mm Browning Short) D
.356
.373
—
.373
.374
0.68
0.98
12-16
S
38 Long Colt
B
.357
.377
—
.378
.433
1.03
1.32
16
S
38 Special
B
.357
.379
—
.379
.440
1.16
1.55
16-18
S
357 S&W Magnum
B
.357
.379
—
.379
.440
1.29
1.51
16-18
S
357 Maximum
B
.357
.375
—
.375
.433
1.59
1.97
14
s
357 SIG
C
.357
.381
.424
.425
.424
.865
1.140
16
s
38 Automatic & Super Automatic
H
.358
.382
—
.383
.405
0.90
1.28
16
s
9.8mm Auto Colt
D
.378
.404
—
.404
.405
.912
1.267
?
s
38 S&W
B
.359
.386
—
.386
.433
0.78
1.20
16-18
s
9mm Makarov
D
.363
.384
—
.389
.396
0.71
0.97
?
B
380 Revolver
B
.375
.377
—
.380
.426
0.70
1.10
15
S-B
40 S&W Auto
D
.400
.423
—
.423
.424
.850
1.135
16
S
10mm Auto
D
.400
.423
—
.423
.424
0.99
1.26
16
L
41 Short Colt
B
.401
.404
—
.405
.430
?
?
?
S
41 Long Colt
B
.386
.404
—
.405
.430
1.13
1.39
16
s
41 Action Express
J
.410
.434
—
.435
.394
.866
1.17
16-18
s
41 Remington Magnum
B
.410
.432
—
.433
.488
1.28
1.58
18
L
10.4mm Italian
B
.422
.444
—
.451
.505
0.89
1.25
10
B
44 S&W Russian
B
.429
.457
—
.457
.515
0.97
1.43
20
L
44 S&W Special
B
.429
.457
—
.457
.514
1.16
1.62
20
L
44 Auto Mag
D
.429
.457
—
.470
.473
1.298
1.620
20
L
44 S&W Magnum
B
.429
.457
—
.457
.514
1.29
1.61
20
L
44 S&W American
B
.434
.438
—
.440
.506
0.91
1.44
20
L
44 Webley
B
.436
.470
—
.472
.503
0.69
1.10
20
L-B
44 Bull Dog
B
.440 ,
.470
—
.473
.503
0.57
0.95
21
S-B
44 Colt
B
.443
.450
—
.456
.483
1.10
1.50
16
L
11.75mm Montenegrin
B
.445
.472
—
.490
.555
1.40
1.73
?
B
11mm French Ordnance
B
.451
.449
—
.460
.491
0.71
1.18
16
B
11mm German Service
B
.451
.449
—
.453
.509
0.96
1.21
23
B
45 Winchester Magnum
D
.451
.475
—
.477
.481
1.198
1.55
16
L
45 Webley
B
.452
.471
—
.471
.504
0.82
1.15
?
L-B
45 Auto-Rim
B
.452
.472
—
.476
.516
0.898
1.28
15-16
L
45 Automatic Short
D
.452
.476
—
.476
.476
.860
1.17
16
L
45 Automatic
D
.452
.476
—
.476
.476
0.898
1.17
16
L
274 Cartridges of the World
Handgun Cartridges of the World
PISTOL & REVOLVER CARTRIDGES OF THE WORLD Con’t
Current and Obsolete Centerfire—Blackpowder and Smokeless
> Dimensional Data
Cartridge
Case
type
Bullet
dia.
Neck
dia.
Shoulder
dia.
Base
dia.
Rim
dia.
Case
length
Ctge.
length
Twist
Primer
454 Casull
B
.452
.476
_
.480
.512
1.39
1.70
16
S'
455 Webley Revolver Mk-ll
B
.454
.476
—
.480
.535
0.77
1.23
16-20
L-B
45 S&W Schofield
B
.454
.477
—
.476
.522
1.10
1.43
24
L
45 Colt
B
.454
.476
—
.480
.512
1.29
1.60
16
L
450 Revolver
B
.455
.475
_
.477
.510
0.69
1.10
16
L-B
455 Webley Auto
H
.455
.473
—
.474
.500
0.93
1.23
10
B
455 Enfield (455 Colt)
B
.455
.473
—
.478
.530
0.87
1.35
?
L-B
476 Enfield
B
.472
.474
—
.478
.530
0.87
1.33
?
B
50 Action Express
J
.500
.540
—
.547
.514
1.285
1.610
?
L
50 Remington Army
A
.508
.532
.564
.565
.665
0.875
1.24
?
L
Notes on handgun primers: Magnum pistol cartridges are usually loaded with Magnum pistol primers and the 22 Remington Jet and 256 Winchester are sometimes
loaded with Small Rifle primers. During WWI, Frankford Arsenal made 45 ACP cases with special #70 primers of .204" diameter instead of the standard .210"
A—Rim, bottleneck B—Rim, straight C—Rimless, bottleneck D—Rimless, straight G—Semi-rimmed, bottleneck H—Semi-rimmed, straight J—Rebated, straight
Primer: S—Small Pistol (.175") L—Large Pistol (.210") B—Berdan type
Unless otherwise noted, all dimensions are in inches.
'Always loaded with small rifle primers.
Current Military Handguns of the World
Nation
Weapon
Caliber
Type
Cap.
Bbl.
Wgt.
Remarks
Argentina
Browning Hi-Power P-35 9mm Luger
S-A
13
5
32
Austria
Glock 80
9mm Luger
S-A
17
4.5
16
Walther P-38
9mm Luger
S-A
8
4.8
34
Australia
FN35
9mm Luger
S-A
13
5
32
Browning Hi Power
Belgium
Browning Hi-Power
9mm Luger
S-A
13
5
32
Very good sporting weapon
Britain
Browning Hi-Power
9mm Luger
S-A
13
5
32
Adopted by Canada during WW-II
Canada
FN 35
9mm Luger
S-A
13
5
32
Browning Hi-Power
China (PRC)
Type 59
9mm Makarov
S-A
8
3.7
19
Similar to Russian PM
Type 64
7.65x17mm
S/S-A
9
3.7
47
Silenced
Type 51/54
7.62mm TOK
S-A
8
4.5
33
Tokarav 7F-33
Czech Republic
Cz M-52
7.62mm Russ.
S-A
8
4.7
25
Original design, very good pistol
Slovak Republic
Cz M-83
9mm Makarov
S-A
13
3.8
17
Denmark
Browning Hi-Power
9mm Luger
S-A
13
5
32
SIG P210
9mm Luger
S-A
8
4.7
23V 2
Egypt
Helwan
9mm Luger
S-A
8
4.5
23
Beretta 951 Copy
Beretta M951
9mm Luger
S-A
8
4.5
23
France
M-1950
9mm Luger
S-A
9
4.4
29
Similar to Browning Hi-Power
MAB PA-15
9mm Luger
S-A
15
4.7
28
SIG P220
9mm Luger
S-A
9
4.7
21.6
Beretta
9mm Luger
S-A
15
4.9
25
Germany
Walther P-38
9mm Luger
S-A
8
4.8
34
A most modem design
Hungary
Model 48
7.65mm Br.
S-A
8
4
24
Mod. Walther PP design
Model 48
7.62mm Tok.
S-A
7
3.3
22
India
FN35
9mm Luger
S-A
13
5
32
Browning Hi-Power
Israel
Beretta M951
9mm Luger
S-A
8
4.5
23
Italy
Beretta M-51
9mm Luger
S-A
8
4.5
31
Very good. Available in U.S.
Beretta M-34
9mm Br. Short & 7.65mm
S-A
7
3.5
24
Similar model sold in U.S.
Beretta M-92
9mm Luger
S-A
15
4.9
25
Japan
SIG P220
9mm Luger
S-A
9
4.7
21.6
Mexico
Obregon
45 ACP
S-A
7
5
39
Resembles Colt 45 Auto
New Zealand
FN35
9mm Luger
S-A
13
5
32
Browning Hi-Power
Poland
P7M13
9mm Luger
S-A
13
4.1
25
P-64
Makarov
S-A
6
3.3
23
South Africa
FN35
9mm Luger
S-A
13
5
32
Browning Hi-Power
Z88
9mm Luger
S-A
15
4.9
25
Spain
Llama 82
9mm
S-A
15
4.5
29
Astra A80
9mm
S-A
15
3.8
25
Star 30M
9mm
S-A
15
4.7
30
Sweden
FN35
9mm Luger
S-A
13
5
32
Browning Hi-Power
FN Browning M-07
9mm Brwon. (380)
S-A
7
5
32
Similar to Colt Pocket Auto
SIG P-210
9mm Luger
S-A
8
4.7
24
Switzerland
SIG P-210
9mm Luger
S-A
8
4.7
24
Commonwealth
PSM
5.45mm
S-A
8
3.4
12
of
Makarov M-PM
9mm Makarov
S-A
8
3.8
26
Mod. Walther PP
Ind. States
Stechin-APS
9mm Makarov
S-A
20
5
30
Full auto, fire selector
Tokarev TT 30 & 33
7.62mm Tok.
S-A
8
4.5
33
Simplified Browning design
Turkey
MKE
9x17mm
S-A
7
3.9
18
United States
Beretta M-92-S
9mm Luger
S-A
15
4.9
34
Adopted 1985
Colt M-1911 & M1911A1
45 ACP
S-A
7
5
39
Military & civilian models
NOTE—Only the principal or official model is listed. Most governments used a variety of alternate types and officers often used nonofficial makes.
S-A = Semi-auto Cap. = Magazine capacity Bbl. = Barrel length in inches Wgt. = Weight in ounces
8th Edition 275
Chapter 7
MILITARY RIFLE
CARTRIDGES OF THE WORLD
(Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless)
THE SALE and use of surplus military firearms in the
United States goes back to at least the Civil War and
probably earlier. During WWI, American companies man¬
ufactured rifles for the British, French and Russian gov¬
ernments and at war’s end, when military orders were
cancelled, found themselves stuck with undelivered quan¬
tities. As a result, a lot of new Enfields, Lebels and Mosin-
Nagant rifles showed up in the civilian market, and for a
time, 7.62mm Russian and 8mm Lebel sporting ammuni¬
tion was loaded by American companies. However, noth¬
ing in previous history matched the variety and quantity
of military arms that were sold on the American market
following WWII. The first influx occurred about 1947-48,
and those were mostly captured enemy weapons. Howev¬
er, in the 1950s, practically all of the world powers were in
the process of adopting new and more modem military
small arms, and their older models were sold off to surplus
dealers who immediately offered them on the American
market. The opportunities to shoot, experiment with and
remodel military rifles during this period is unprecedent¬
ed in the history of this country. Many fine military rifles
and handguns were sold brand new at very low prices.
Few of these arms sold at prices over $35 to $40 and many
sold at $10 to $25. Some of these same weapons will bring
upward of $300 on today’s market. Not a single issue or
model ever went down in value.
The Gun Control Act of 1968 ended the importation of
surplus weapons on such a scale. It is doubtful that there
will ever be anything comparable to the war surplus phe¬
nomenon that covered the two decades between 1948
and 1968, although things have loosened up consider¬
ably. As a result, a wide variety of military rifles are
used for target practice, plinking and large and small
game hunting in America. Most military rifles can be
remodeled into first-class sporting arms, and many were.
Naturally, the cartridges used by these various rifles are
of interest to those shooting them because, after all, the
gun is of no use without the ammunition. The American
sportsman was exposed to calibers all but unknown pri¬
or to WWII, and this influenced cartridge development
in this country.
Military ammunition represents one of the most high¬
ly-developed categories of the metallic cartridge. Millions
of dollars have been invested in research to determine the
best and most efficient combination of primer, case, pow¬
der, and bullet. That is why military cartridges are so pop¬
ular for sporting use and one reason why the military
round of a nation is also popular on the range and in the
field. American military cartridges have been highly
esteemed in sporting circles, and all but the old 6mm Lee
and 50-70 are still loaded and used. Foreign military cal¬
ibers do not offer the American sportsman anything new
or different, even though most are basically quite good.
They largely parallel what we already have available, the
exception being the various 6.5mm and 7mm calibers
which represent an area neglected here.
The middle European, Mediterranean, Scandinavian
and Oriental countries have favored the 6.5mm-caliber in
their military rifles. These cartridges are all quite similar
in performance and power and offer little to choose from
for sporting use. From the American point of view, the
6.5mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer and the 6.5x55mm
Swedish are the best choices. Any of them are good deer
and antelope cartridges, superior to anything in the 30-30
class for this purpose. Most can be used for larger game if
loaded with the heavier bullets. The 7x57mm Mauser is
another cartridge well known in sporting circles and
adapted to North American game and hunting conditions.
It is listed along with the 8x57mm Mauser and the 303
British under American sporting cartridges because they
are loaded in this country and have been for many years.
An interesting recent development has been the wide¬
spread availability of the 7.62x53R Russian and
7.62x39mm Soviet cartridges and guns to shoot them.
A surprising number of obsolete single shot and repeat¬
ing blackpowder military rifles have shown up since 1948.
Many of these are brand new or in first-class condition,
which has created interest in shooting rifles of this type.
276 Cartridges of the World
The centerfire blackpowder cartridges listed include those
that would be likely to be encountered, and a few that are
comparatively rare. Caliber varies from 32 to 60 with bul¬
let weights fimn 250 to over 500 grains. The original pow¬
der used was coarse granulation blackpowder similar to
what y/e know as Fg. The charge ranged from 40 to over
80 grains. There was also a variation of the powder charge
even in the same cartridge because of the use of different
bullets. Most countries also had a carbine version or a
loading that was lighter than standard. In power, all these
old cartridges are similar to our own 45-70 and are ade¬
quate for most North American big game at short to mod¬
erate range. They all have a very curved trajectory, which
makes it difficult to hit anything beyond 200 yards, even
though they will kill much further away. However, at
known ranges they are quite accurate and will turn in
good scores out to 500 or even 1000 yards.
Continued use of blackpowder military rifles will
eventually require reloading of the fired cases. All but
the American cartridges use Berdan primers, usually of
6.37mm (.251-inch), 6.46mm (.254-inch) or 6.5mm (.256-
inch) size. These sizes are available in RWS brand.
Loading dies for the more popular blackpowder calibers
are made by Lyman, Hornady, RCBS and others. It is
often possible to make reloadable brass from similar
modem cases by trimming and reforming. Blackpowder
charges should fill the case to the base of the bullet, and
should actually be slightly compressed for proper burn¬
ing. When using smokeless powder to load blackpowder
cartridges, never exceed original velocity or pressure, as
few rifles are strong enough to withstand this safely.
After firing with blackpowder, the brass cases must be
soaked and scrubbed in soap or detergent to remove the
fouling and dried before reloaded. A bullet alloy of one
part tin to 16 or 20 parts lead is about right for black¬
powder, but a mixture of one to 10 is more satisfactory
with smokeless charges. The use of hard, jacketed bul¬
lets in blackpowder rifles is not good practice as these
will often wear the bore too quickly, sometimes destroy¬
ing accuracy within only 100 rounds or so. However,
swaged, soft, jacketed bullets designed for handgun use
should eliminate this objectionable possibility. If you
use common sense and exercise reasonable caution,
obsolete military rifles are a lot of fun to shoot and, if in
good condition, perfectly safe.
The subject of military rifles is too broad and involved
to be covered adequately in a book devoted primarily to
cartridges. We have, however, included tables listing the
more common smokeless and blackpowder military rifles
and their characteristics. In passing, it might be well to
at least mention two badly-abused phases of the military
rifle subject—safety and value. Some authors, who
should know better, have stated bluntly and without
qualification that all surplus military arms are unsafe,
worthless pieces of junk. This simply is not true. The
idea that any military power would arm its troops with
weapons inherently dangerous to fire is too silly to merit
serious discussion. Toward the end of WWII, Germany
and Japan turned out some shoddy, makeshift arms for
drill, guard or civilian use. Some of these used castings
and were definitely not safe to fire. Others looked like
hell but were actually quite stout. In any event, these
Military Rifle Cartridges of the World
were not standard military issue and few of these were
sold in the surplus gun market. To have sold dangerous
and unsafe weapons would have ended the big surplus
military boom long before the Gun Control Act of 1968.
This is just a matter of common sense.
I believe it is entirely correct to state that no standard
military rifle is basically any more dangerous than any
other if it is in good condition and fired with the cartridge
and load for which it was designed. Use the correct ammu¬
nition and exercise common sense in reloading and you
won’t get in trouble. Alteration of military rifles to other
than the original caliber is all right, too, if you know what
you are doing. On the other hand, it can be dangerous if
mishandled, for it requires a knowledge of the relative
strength, mechanics and metallurgy of military rifle
actions.
Value? Only you can determine how much a certain
gun is worth to you. ‘Value,” as such, has really been beat
to death. Such terms as good, bad, worthless, or “a good
buy” are all relative, for their meaning will vary with the
buyer and his individual ideas. As late as 1940, one could
buy U.S. 1873 45-70 Springfield rifles for $6.50 used and
$11 brand new. I owned several and wish I had had both
the money and the foresight to have purchased a whole
garage full because they are currently worth around $500
in good condition. One must understand, though, alter¬
ation of a military rifle destroys its value as a collector’s
item, it may then be worthless. Time and availability are
big factors in the value of anything.
American-made sporting ammunition included the
more popular foreign military calibers up until about
the mid-1930s. The 6.5mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer,
7x57mm Mauser, 7.65mm Mauser, 7.62mm Russian,
8mm Mauser and 8mm Lebel were all made in the U.S.,
along with the 303 British. At present, few American
sporting rifles are available for foreign military car¬
tridges and only the 6.5x55 Swedish, 7mm and 8mm
Mauser plus the 303 British are loaded here. However,
Norma and RWS currently load some of them in sport¬
ing version, most of which are imported through dealers
in this country.
Military ammunition should not be used on any game
with the original full-jacketed bullet as this usually only
wounds the animal and does not stop it. Bear in mind that
full-jacketed bullets won’t break up on contact and will,
more often than not, ricochet badly. This is also true of the
big, low-velocity bullets fired by blackpowder rifles.
The performance of most military cartridges can be
improved in varying degrees by handloading. Most
European ammunition is loaded with corrosive Berdan-
type primers which is not as quick or easy to decap and
reprime as the Boxer-primed cases used by American
manufacturers. Many others have steel cases which are
not reloadable. Norma continues to import ammunition
and brass cases made for American primers in a number
of military calibers. The availability of reloadable cases
is an important consideration because the supply of sur¬
plus ammunition is not inexhaustable. The ultimate use
of your rifle may depend on just such a small item as
this. Sporting ammunition has never been loaded in
some military calibers, but this is a deficiency you can
correct by handloading. Some of the old blackpowder
8th Edition 277
Chapter 7
military rifles have been relegated as wall hangers
because of the lack of ammunition, but this situation is
changing as small manufacturers now offer these cases
to the reloader. Many cartridges listed in Chapter 6 can
be considered obsolete from the military viewpoint. The
United States, the United Kingdom and all NATO coun¬
tries have adopted the 7.62x51mm NATO round as have
Japan, Australia and many Asian countries. Also, prac¬
tically all of them now use the 5.56x45mm (223 Reming¬
ton) for their military rifles. The U.S. used this smaller
round almost exclusively in Vietnam. Russia and most
former satelite countries have adopted the Russian M43
or 7.62x39mm cartridge. In 1974, the Soviet Union
adopted a new 22-caliber round designated the
5.45x39mm.
Recent military cartridge development has been in the
realm of caseless cartridges. Efforts to develop caseless
small arms ammunition have not been fully successful to
date and the word from ordnance circles is that, “happi¬
ness is still a cartridge case.”
PEABOBY-MARTIN1 MILITARY RIFLE. (Turkish Model)
With Quadrangular and Sabre Bayonets.
Entire Length of Peabody-Martini Military Rifle, 49 inches.
Length of Barrel.. 32$ **
Weight, without Bayonet,.8$ pounds.
Length of Quadrangular Bayonet., ...... 23$ inches.
Length of Blade of Quadrangiar Bayonet, . . . 201 “
Weight of Quadrangular Bayonet,
Enthe Length of Sabre Bayonet,
Length of Blade of Sabre Bayonet,
Weight of Sabre Bayonet, . .
Calibre..
15 ounces.
28/g inches.
22*8 “
2 pounds.
.45 inch.
CARTRIDGE FOR PEABODY-MARTINI MILITARY RIFLE. (Turkish Model.)
Calibre, .45 inch. Powder, 85 grains. Bullet, smooth-patched; weight, 480 grains. Lubricating disc in shell
278 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridges of the World
4.85mm British
Historical Notes An experimental British military cartridge
of less than 22-caliber that more or less parallels similar devel¬
opments by Germany. Although entered in the NATO trials in
1977, none of these small-caliber cartridges were ever adopted,
although some of them developed initial velocities in excess of
4000 fps. The problem with these small, lightweight high-veloc¬
ity bullets is that they lose velocity and energy rapidly, and,
from a military viewpoint, are not very effective at extreme
ranges. A gilding metal-clad steel-jacketed bullet of .192-inch
diameter with lead alloy core and flat base was used. Both Ball
and tracer types were made. Further development ended after
the 1977 NATO trials.
General Comments The dimensions of the 4.85mm British are
practically idential to the wildcat 5mm/223 except that the case is
about Vs-inch longer due to a longer neck. Muzzle velocity would
be similar.
4.85mm British Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Comments
56_FL 3117 1210 Mil (LI El Ball)
5.7x28mm FN P90 (Belgium)
Historical Notes Developed in the late 1980s by FN for their
new P90 personal defense weapon, this cartridge is intended to
replace the 9x19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge. Claimed ballis¬
tic performance is much superior to the 9mm cartridge. As yet,
no major country has adopted this new caliber.
General Comments The 5.7x28mm cartridge is somewhat sim¬
ilar in shape to the commercial 221 Fireball cartridge. However,
the two are not interchangeable. A sharply pointed Ball bullet
weighing only 23 grains is used as intended range is limited.
Despite this, the bullet has been designed to penetrate helmets
and body armor at 50 meters without breaking up.
5.7x28mm FN P90 Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
23 FMJ-BT Ball FL
MV
2790
ME
400
5.45x39mm Soviet
Historical Notes Russian military cartridge introduced about
1974 for use in the new AK-74 assault rifle. There are both fixed-
stock and folding-stock versions and the 5.45mm rifle has a
redesigned flash reducer/muzzlebrake that distinguishes it from
the earlier AK-47. The cartridge has a more slender case and a
thicker rim than the 7.62x39mm (M43) cartridge. The bullet is
.221- to .222-inch in diameter and weighs from 53 to 54 grains.
The bullet is almost 1-inch long with a very sharp spitzer point,
boattail base, and a mild steel core with a short lead filler on top
and air space in the nose. The bullet is designed to be unstable in
tissue, producing a more severe wound. The British used some¬
what the same idea in the design of their MKVTI 303 bullet used
in WWII. Casualty reports from Afghanistan, where the new
5.45mm cartridge and rifle first appeared, tend to confirm the
lethality of the bullet. Muzzle velocity is approximately 2950 fps.
The first 5.45mm Soviet cartridges publicly available to western
military intelligence were brought out of Afghanistan by Galen
Geer while on assignment for Soldier of Fortune magazine in
1980, and the first information made public was in the October,
1980 issue of SOF. Until that time, the existence of a new Russ¬
ian military cartridge was mostly rumor. Later, the round was
withdrawn from service in Afghanistan. Cases are lacquered steel
with Berdan primers.
General Comments The Russians apparently designed this
cartridge as the result of experience on the receiving end of the
U.S. M-16 rifle and 5.56mm round in Vietnam. The 5.45mm
Russian is a well-designed cartridge for its intended purpose. The
long, thin boattail bullet reduces aerodynamic drag to the mini¬
mum and results in higher-retained velocity at long range. The
bullet is designed to be stable in flight and provide good accuracy
at all ranges out to maximum, but unstable on contact so as to
tumble easily, which enhances lethality. It is a better-designed
military bullet than the original bullet used in the U.S. M193
5.56mm cartridge. However, the new 5.56mm SS109 (M855)
NATO standard round with its heavier bullet and improved
shape has an edge over the Soviet bullet.
5.45x39mm Russian Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source/Comments
54 FL 2950 1045 Mil (SBT Ball)
8th Edition 279
Chapter 7
5.56x45mm NATO
Historical Notes The 5.56x45mm cartridge was originally
developed for the Armalite AR-15 rifle and first tested by the U.S.
Air Force as a possible replacement for the M-l Carbine in 1960-
1961. The AR-15 later evolved into the selective-fire M-16 adopt¬
ed by the U.S. military in 1964 after several years of testing by
the U.S. Continental Army Command at Fort Monroe, Virginia.
The rifle and cartridge were first combat-tested in Vietnam in the
early 1960s.
General Comments As initially loaded, the 5.56x45mm Ball car¬
tridge had a 55-grain spitzer boattail bullet at a muzzle velocity of
3250 fps. It was the standard U.S. military loading until 1984. In
1980, the 5.56mm FN-designed, 62-grain SS109 bullet was adopt¬
ed by NATO. Designated the M855 in the U.S., the new load has a
spitzer boattail bullet with a mild steel penetrator in front of the
lead base. Muzzle velocity is 3100 fps. This also involved changes in
5.56mm rifles to a quicker rifling twist of one turn in seven inches
to stabilize the longer, heavier bullet. This much-improved bullet
resulted in higher retained velocity and greater accuracy at long
range. It also has much improved penetration characteristics over
the old M193 55-grain projectile at all ranges.
The 5.56mm case is similar in configuration to and inter¬
changeable with the commercial 223 Remington, although
SAAMI warns that dimensional differences between military
chambers and commercial chambers may make it unsafe to fire
military ammunition in sporting rifles. Additional information
and loading data can be found under that listing in Chapter 2.
5.56mmx45mm NATO Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Comments
55 FMJ-BT Ml93 Ball FL 3250 1325 Old U.S. loading
62 FMJ-BT M855 Ball FL 3100 1325 New NATO loading
6mm SAW (U.S.)
Historical Notes In the early 1970s, the U.S. Army began stud¬
ies to develop a new infantiy squad machinegun called the Squad
Automatic Weapon (SAW). Frankford Arsenal began computer¬
ized parametric design analyses in July, 1971, to design a car¬
tridge to meet user requirements. After several experimental
designs based on the 5.56x45mm case proved unsuccessful, a new
case having a larger .410-inch diameter head and a length of
1.779 inches was adopted. A 6mm diameter (.243-inch), 105-grain
FMJBT bullet was used.
General Comments Cartridge cases for the 6mm SAW will be
found in both steel with a phenolic varnish finish and in alu¬
minum with an anodized finish. The length of the aluminum case
is longer than the steel.
The 6mm SAW was never adopted, although considerable
quantities of ammunition were loaded experimentally by Frank¬
ford Arsenal. This cartridge is frequently encountered in collec¬
tions. It is historically significant as the first cartridge designed
using computerized parametric design analysis.
6mm SAW Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Comments
105 FMJ-BT FL 2520 1480 XM732 Ball
6mm Lee Navy
Historical Notes The 6mm Lee cartridge (also known as the
236 Navy) was used in the 1895 Lee Straight Pull bolt-action mil¬
itary rifle manufactured by Winchester for the United States
Navy. About 15,000 of these rifles were made and used by the
Navy on a trial basis. Winchester, Remington and Blake also
chambered sporting rifles for this cartridge. No factory-loaded
ammunition has been available since 1935.
General Comments The 244 or 6mm caliber was revived in
two cartridges introduced by Remington and Winchester in 1955,
the 244 (now the 6mm Remington) and 243. The 6mm Lee car¬
tridge died out mainly because it was too far ahead of its time.
The powders available in 1895 were not suitable to this small cal¬
iber. A few shooters who have old rifles for this round reload and
use it for hunting. It is a good varmint, medium game, deer, black
bear and antelope cartridge at moderate ranges. It is not as pow¬
erful as the 6mm Remington or the 243 Winchester. By increas¬
ing the rim to fit the standard Mauser bolt face and necking the
case to accept 0.224" bullets, Winchester created the 220 Swift.
280 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridges of the World
6.5x50mm Japanese Arisaka
Historical Notes Used in the 1905, Model 38 Japanese bolt-
action rifle, a modified Mauser-type, this cartridge was actually
introduced in 1897 for a discontinued rifle found unsafe in ser¬
vice. It was introduced in the United States after WWII as the
result of captured rifles brought back by returning GIs, and later
by the surplus arms dealers who sold large numbers of the Mod¬
el 38 rifle and carbine. Sporting ammunition in this caliber is
loaded by Norma, using the American-type primer; military
ammunition has a Berdan-type primer, usually of .199-inch or
.217-inch size. Some military Ball ammunition of recent produc¬
tion with steel cases and Berdan primers has recently been
imported from China.
General Comments The 6.5x50 has a semi-rimmed case, but
is otherwise not radically different from the other 6.5 military
cartridges. It has the shortest case and least powder capacity of
any of the military 6.5s, but is nonetheless an efficient design
with smokeless powder. The Japanese Model 38 rifle has an
unusally strong action which allows the cartridge to be loaded
to its full potential. Because commercial sporting ammunition
and reloadable cases are available, it is one of the more useful
military cartridges. In power, it is on a par with any of the oth¬
er 6.5 military rounds and is fine for antelope, deer, sheep and
black bear. It makes a far more effective deer cartridge than the
30-30. To solve the ammunition problem, some 6.5mm Arisaka
rifles have been rechambered to the wildcat 6.5/257-caliber.
6.5x50mm Japanese Arisaka Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
120 SP
IMR 4350
43
3000
2400
Max.
120 SP
H380
36
2680
1918
120 SP
IMR 4895
34
2650
1870
140 SP
IMR 4350
40
2680
2240
140 SP
H-380
34
2360
1735
156 SP
IMR 4064
28
2060
1460
Dup. fact. ball.
160 SP
IMR 4320
34
2500
2408
139 Ball
FL
2500
1930
139 SP (Norma)
FL
2430
1815
156 SP (Norma)
FL
2070
1475
6.5x54mm Mannlicher-
Schoenauer (Greek)
Historical Notes This original Greek military cartridge,
designed in 1900, was used in the 1903 Mannlicher bolt-action
rifle. It is also a popular sporting number in Europe and the U.S.
All major American ammunition companies loaded the 6.5mm
Mannlicher until about 1940. The Austrian-made Mannlicher-
Schoenauer sporting rifle is just about the only rifle available in
this caliber presently. Sporting ammunition is loaded in Europe
and RWS imports Boxer-primed, reloadable brass and a good
variety of sporting loads. European ammo uses the Berdan
primer, usually the 5.5mm or .217-inch size.
General Comments The 6.5mm M-S has always had a certain
following in the United States, even though American rifle mak¬
ers do not chamber it as a standard caliber. It is a very fine car¬
tridge for North American hunting with far better killing power
than the 30-30 or anything in that class. In fact, every species of
big game on earth has been taken with this cartridge. A great
many elephants were killed by ivory hunters using the little
6.5mm and solid bullets. It did not make enough noise to bother
the herd and gave deep penetration for well-placed brain shots. In
the hands of an experienced hunter, it will do for any North
American big game. However, by today’s standards, it is consid¬
ered primarily a deer, sheep, antelope or black bear cartridge. In
power, it is often compared to the 257 Roberts, and there is some
validity for this. On the other hand, the 6.5mm M-S is loaded
with bullets of around 160 grains in weight compared to the 120-
grain top weight of the 257. It is the long, heavy bullet that makes
it a good killer on the tougher varieties of game.
6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer (Greek) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
139-140 SP
IMR 3031
35
2510
1950
Antelope, deer
139-140 SP
IMR 4895
36
2400
1790
156 SP
IMR 4350
38
2510
2182
156 SP
IMR 3031
34
2460
2100
Dup. original Mil. load
160 SP
IMR 4064
38
2450
2140
Heavy game
140 SP
FL
2250
1575
Hirtenberger
159 SP
FL
2330
1740
RWS
159 Ball
FL
2223
1740
Military
8th Edition 281
Chapter 7
General Comments A collector’s item today, this semi-rimmed
type was introduced originally as a military cartridge for the
French Navy in 1895. It was used in the Daudeteau bolt-action
rifle and apparently there was also commercial ammunition
made. Rifles and ammunition are quite rare, and you are not like¬
ly to have one to hunt with. If you do, it would probably be satis¬
factory for anything up to deer. According to Sr. Aivaro Casal, this
cartridge was adopted by Uruguay in 1895 and used until 1898.
6.5x53.5 Daudeteau Factory Ballistics _
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Comments
150 Ball FL 40 2395 1922 RN jacketed bullet
6.5x53Rmm Mannlicher
(Dutch & Romanian)
Historical Notes This is an earlier, rimmed version of the 6.5x54
Greek cartridge, designed by Mannlicher and used in the bolt-action
Dutch Models 1892 and 1895 and the Romanian Models 1892 and
1893. The cartridge was dropped by both countries after WWII.
General Comments This cartridge delivers ballistics practical¬
ly identical to the regular 6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer, known
for many years in the United States and at one time loaded by
most cartridge companies. The rimmed version is used in a few
single shot and combination European sporting rifles. Commer¬
cial hunting ammunition in this caliber was once loaded in both
England and Europe.
This cartridge was introduced in the United States after
WWII when quantities of the Dutch and Romanian military
rifles and carbines were sold in the surplus stores. Only
imported sporting ammunition is available, but some dealers
have furnished hunting loads based on the military round
with the bullet replaced. Rifles in this caliber are suitable for
deer, antelope, black bear and the like. The British listed this
cartridge as the 256 Mannlicher and many bolt-action rifles
were turned out for it by Jeffery and others. It has been popu¬
lar in parts of Africa. No commercial manufacturers currently
offer this caliber.
6.5x53Rmm Mannlicher Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
120 SP
IMR 4895
33
2440
1590
120 SP
IMR 4064
35
2650
1875
140 SP
IMR 3031
35
2550
2360
156 SP
IMR 3031
34
2445
2095
Dup. military ball.
156 SP
IMR 4350
38
2510
2192
160 SP
IMR 3031
34
2250
1810
156,159 mil. Ball
FL
2433
2085
160 SP (sporting)
FL
2350
1960
282 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridges of the World
6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser
Historical Notes A Mauser- and Swedish-designed military
cartridge adopted in 1894, it was used in the Swedish Models 94,
96 and 38 rifles and carbines. These are based on a modification
of the Spanish Mauser 1893 bolt action. Norway also adopted this
cartridge for its 1894 and 1912 Krag-Jorgensen rifles. Ammuni¬
tion for sporting use is loaded by Norma. Military ammunition
uses the Berdan primer, usually of .199-inch or .216-inch diame¬
ter. Sporting rifles are available on the American market in this
caliber at present, and Federal and PMC produce ammunition in
this caliber. Remington apparently produced a few free rifles in
6.5x55mm caliber some years ago and one model of the Model 70
Winchester was so chambered. The military Ball bullet is a
spitzer boattail of very advanced design. Both copper and clad
steel jacket types will be encountered.
General Comments The 6.5 x 55 Swedish cartridge is
another surplus, post-war immigrant that has become quite
popular in the United States. For North American hunting, it
is one of the best of the foreign military calibers. It has been
highly developed as a match and hunting round in the Scandi¬
navian countries, and has a reputation for superb accuracy.
With the lighter bullets of 77 to 100 grains it will do very well
for varmint shooting of all kinds. The 120-grain bullet is fine
for antelope or deer, and the heavier 140-160-grain bullets
make it suitable for some types of big game. The Swedish
Mauser and the Norwegian Krag are intended for working
pressures of only about 45,000 psi and this must be considered
when reloading. With a stronger action, maximum loads and
performance could be increased a bit. Except for a slightly
larger rim and base diameter and a shorter neck, this car¬
tridge is very similar to the 6.5x57 Mauser cartridge. It is not
known exactly who designed it, but undoubtedly its design
was influenced by Mauser developments.
6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
100 HP
IMR 3031
44
3100
2140
Varmint load
120 SP
IMR 4350
50
2780
2062
Deer, antelope
129 SP
IMR 4895
41
2625
1990
140 SP
IMR 4350
45
2520
1980
140 SP
IMR 4831
50
2590
2090
156 SP
IMR 4350
43
2500
2168
160 SP
IMR 4350
42
2430
2100
Heavy game
77 FMJ (Norma)
FL
3120
1660
Bird load
139 SP (Norma)
FL
2790
2395
156 SP (Norma)
FL
2490
2150
139 mil. Ball
FL
2625
2126
6.5x58mm
Portuguese Vergueiro
Historical Notes This was the original Portuguese military car¬
tridge for the Mauser-Vergueiro bolt-action rifle—a basic Mauser-
type, but with certain Mannlicher features such as the split bridge
receiver. In 1937, Portugal adopted the 8mm Mauser cartridge and
the Model 98 Mauser rifle. Many of the older Vergueiro rifles were
then rebarreled to the new round. The militaiy loading used a 155-
grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2350 fps and 1908 fp energy.
Sporting ammunition was once loaded by ICI in England and DWM
in Germany and imported into the United States. Mauser bolt-
action rifles have been chambered for this round in England and
Europe, but it has never been used by any American manufacturer.
General Comments Another early military cartridge that
achieved some popularity for sporting use. Its use in the United
States has been very limited and confined to the few Mauser-type
sporting rifles of this caliber imported from time to time. The car¬
tridge case is similar to the 6.5x57 Mauser in shape and perfor¬
mance, but is a little smaller in diameter and has a longer neck. It
is a good hunting cartridge for North American big game and
ranks along with the other military 6.5s. Since the old Vergueiro
rifles were largely rebarreled to 8mm, only a relatively few of
these in the 6.5-caliber appeared in the surplus military gun
stores. No commercial manufacturers currently offer this caliber.
6.5x58mm Portuguese Vergueiro Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
140 SP
IMR 4831
46
2530
1995
140 SP
IMR 4895
38
2450
1870
Max.
156 SP
IMR 4350
43
2510
2183
Approx, fact. ball.
139 SP
FL
2775
2372
157 SP
FL
2568
2292
155 Ball
FL
2350
1908
8th Edition 283
Chapter 7
6.5x52mm Italian
(Mannlicher-Carcano)
Historical Notes Official Italian military cartridge adopted in
1891 for the bolt-action Mannlicher-Carcano rifle. This rifle was a
Mannlicher-inspired design in every respect except the bolt, which
is a Mauser-type with double locking lugs at the front. It is also the
only military rifle of smokeless powder design to use gain twist
rifling. This Italian 6.5mm cartridge is very similar to the 6.5mm
Mannlicher-Schoenauer in size, shape and performance. Both
unprimed brass and loaded ammunition are made by Norma.
General Comments The Italian 6.5mm military cartridge was
unfamiliar to American shooters until after WWII. Large quantities
of Italian Model 91 rifles and carbines have been sold at very low
prices, and because we are a great nation of bargain hunters, this is
now a fairly widely-used caliber. Many of the surplus arms dealers
furnished hunting ammunition that consisted of the military round
with the full-jacketed bullet replaced with a softpoint-type. Reload¬
able cases can be made very easily from 6.5x54 Mannlicher brass.
This is a good deer, antelope or black bear cartridge, but cannot be
loaded as heavily as some of the other 6.5s because of the relatively
low working pressure of the Carcano rifle. This is the cartridge used
to assassinate President John F. Kennedy.
6.5x52mm Italian Mannlicher-Carcano Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
140 SP
IMR 4895
33
2250
1570
Max. for Carcano rifle
140 SP
IMR 3031
34
2320
1730
156 SP
IMR 4064
37
2280
1806
156 SP
IMR 4350
35
2340
1898
160 SP
IMR 4350
35
2320
1919
139 SP
FL
2580
2045
Norma load
156 SP
FL
2430
2045
Norma load
162 Ball
FL
2296
1902
280 British
Historical Notes This is an experimental cartridge developed
by the British army concurrently with a semi-automatic/auto¬
matic assault-type rifle, the EM-2. Work began in 1945, immedi¬
ately after the end of the war, and by 1947 the rifle-cartridge
combination was ready for field trials and was tested by both the
British and the U.S. Its ultimate rejection was mostly a political
decision to satisfy the U.S. military who were wedded to the 30-
caliber, and by 1954, the British had adopted and were manufac¬
turing the 7.62mm NATO round. The EM-2 rifle was a short
bullpup design weighing 7 pounds and used a 20-round clip. I
understand that the British continued field tests of the rifle and
cartridge as late as 1951. The cyclic rate of the EM-2 was 600 to
650 rpm.
General Comments In 1948, the rim of the 280 British case
was slightly enlarged to match the 30-06 and the name was
changed to 280/30. Ballistics remained the same. The 280/30 case
was developed by shortening and necking-down the standard 30-
06 case so the rim and base diameter of the two cases are the
same. The 280/30 case has a slightly-tapered body, probably an
aid to feeding and extraction. Various bullet weights were used,
from 130 to 140 grains and the muzzle velocity of the various
loadings ranged from 2400 to 2530 fps. When tested in the U.S.
and loaded with American powders, the velocity was increased to
2600 fps. The 280/30 would have made a potentially good sport¬
ing round, but I do not know of anyone who used it for that pur¬
pose. In a good strong bolt- or single shot action and loaded to
maximum performance with American powders, the 280/30 could
probably push the 139-grain bullet at something like 2700 to
2800 fps muzzle velocity. For some reason, very little, if any, work
has ever been done with this cartridge in the sporting field. It is
worth mentioning here because some experimenters, as early as
1962, necked the 308xl.5-inch down to 7mm, creating a very sim-
iliar round. However, the 280/30 British case is .20-inch longer
than the 308x1.5-inch and case capacity is probably about 10 per¬
cent greater. Remington has now picked up this not very new or
original idea in their new 7mm BR handgun cartridge used in the
XP-100 Silhouette pistol. No sporting ammunition has ever been
made in this caliber.
280 British Military Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
139 Ball
FL
2530
1980
Spitzer bullet
284 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridges of the World
7x57mm Mauser
Historical Notes The 7x57mm Mauser is another cartridge
that, although designed as a military round, was widely adapted
for sporting purposes. Contrary to what most cartridge books say,
it was not introduced in 1893. It was actually developed in 1892
and used in a limited number of Model 1892 Mauser rifles, a mod¬
ification of the Belgian-Mauser pattern of 1889. In 1893, Mauser
introduced an improved bolt-action rifle in 7x57mm caliber that
was officially adopted by the Spanish military. Subsequently,
minor modifications of this 7mm rifle were adopted by other
European and many Latin-American governments.
The original 7mm military round employed a 173-grain bullet
with a muzzle velocity of2296 fps and an energy of2025 fpe. Oth¬
er loadings were used by various countries with bullets ranging
in weight from 139 grains up to the original 173-grain. Those on
which data is available are listed below.
Model 93 Mauser rifles in 7mm caliber were used by Spanish
troops in Cuba during the Spanish-American war. The effective¬
ness of this combination against American forces was responsi¬
ble for the eventual adoption of the Mauser-system 1903
Springfield rifle. San Juan Hill was defended by only about 700
Spaniards armed with the new Mauser 7mm rifles, but they
inflicted some 1400 casualties on the 15,000 Americans who
attacked their position. The Remington Model 1902 rolling block
rifle was also manufactured in 7x57mm Mauser caliber, as was
the Model 70 Winchester.
General Comments There has been a large influx of surplus
7mm military rifles since the end of WWII. Many who purchase
these immediately want them altered to a more familiar Amer¬
ican sporting caliber. This is actually foolish because the
7x5 7mm is one of the best all-round calibers available for North
American big game. With the proper bullet for the job at hand,
the 7mm will handle any big game here. It might not be the
choice for grizzly bear in heavy brush, but in the hands of an
experienced hunter, it will be far superior to the 30-30 for any
purpose. If the barrel is in good shape, it is best to leave 7mm
military rifles in their original caliber. Loading data is in Chap¬
ter 2. Sporting ammunition in this caliber is offered by all major
manufacturers.
7x57mm Mauser Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
139 Ball
FL
2950
2580
Brazil & Colombia
142 Ball
FL
2740
2365
Uruguay
155 Ball
FL
2300
1820
Mexico
162 Ball
FL
2295
1890
Mexico
173 Ball
FL
2296
2025
Original military loading
used by Spain and others.
Historical Notes The 276 Enfield is an experimental military
cartridge developed by the British beginning in 1909 for what lat¬
er became the proposed Pattern 13 bolt-action rifle. It is very sim¬
ilar to the Canadian 280 Ross cartridge. Although the rifle and
cartridge were issued for troop trials, they were not adopted due
to the onset of WWI. However, the rifle was produced in a slight¬
ly-modified form as the Pattern 14 Enfield chambered for the 303
British cartridge, and many of these were manufactured in the
U.S. for the British government. Most 276 Enfield ammunition
was manufactured by Royal Laboratories at Woolwich, England,
and headstamped RL. Bullet diameter is .282-inch. Bullet
weights vary from 144-190 grains.
General Comments The 276 Enfield is primarily a collector’s
item because it was never officially adopted or used as a military
cartridge. Also, it was not used as a sporting cartridge and is
interesting mostly as a development that might have replaced the
303 British if WWI had not intervened. After the war, during
1923 to 1932, the U.S. experimented with a smaller cartridge—
the 276 Pedersen. Sporting ammunition has never been made in
this caliber.
276 Enfield Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
165 Ball FL 2800 2881
8th Edition 285
Chapter 7
276 Pedersen
Historical Notes The 276 Pedersen was a U.S. Army experi¬
mental cartridge developed between 1923 and 1932 for the exper¬
imental Pedersen semi-automatic rifle. There were actually
several variations of this cartridge (as many as nine or 10) with
differences in case length, diameter and other dimensions. One
version, the T2, had the same rim and head dimensions as the
30-06; another (T2-E1) was modified specifically for testing in an
early version of the Garand rifle.
The 276 was tested with bullets weighing from 120 grains at
2550 fps to 150 grains at 2360 fps. Performance was not spectac¬
ular but was acceptable for a military cartridge at the time. How¬
ever, in 1932, General Douglas MacArthur, then Army Chief of
Staff, disapproved any caliber reduction and that ended the
development program for the 276-caliber.
J.D. Pedersen, the originator of the 276 program, was a famous
arms designer whose successful designs included the Remington
Model 10 shotgun, Model 12 line of 22 slide-action rifles, the
Model 14 and Model 25 centerfire slide-action rifles, and the WWI
Pedersen device. The Pedersen semi-auto military rifle design
employed a toggle breechblock system similar to the Luger pistol
and Maxim machinegun. However, the Pedersen system differed
because the barrel did not recoil with the breechblock, but rather
remained stationary. The Garand system was adopted over the
Pedersen rifle prior to WWII.
General Comments The 276 Pedersen was never manufac¬
tured as a commercial cartridge and no commercial sporting rifles
were chambered for it. It would have made a good deer cartridge,
but there were plenty of other cartridges in the same class that
served just as well and there was no reason to bring out a sport¬
ing version. The 276 ammunition was quite common for a few
years after WWII, and it is found in many collections.
276 Pedersen Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
120 Ball
FL
2550
1732
150 Ball
FL
2360
1858
Note: There were other loadings in addition to the above.
7.35mm Italian Carcano
Historical Notes The 7.35mm cartridge was adopted by Italy
in 1938 to replace the 6.5x52mm round that had been used since
1891. Experience in Ethiopia and other places had demonstrated
the desirability of a larger caliber for combat use. The Model 91
Carcano rifle was modified slightly for the new cartridge, but
retained the same basic action. That happened about the time
Italy became involved in various military actions and the new
cartridge created a critical supply problem and was withdrawn
from service. Quantities of the 7.35mm rifles were used against
the Russians by Finnish troops and reportedly gave good service.
No sporting ammunition is loaded in this caliber at present,
although Norma did so for some years.
General Comments Many thousands of the Italian Model 38
service rifles and carbines were sold here as surplus. The
7.35mm-caliber was unknown to the average shooter until that
time. However, these rifles were sold at extremely low prices and
are now in rather widespread use all over the country. In power,
the 7.35mm is between the 30-30 and the 300 Savage, thus with
proper hunting bullets, it’s a good deer and black bear cartridge.
It is actually a better cartridge than the 30-30 in many respects.
Reloadable cases can be made from empty 6.5x54 Mannlicher
brass as imported by RWS. This is done by expanding the neck,
running the shell through a full-length sizing die and then trim¬
ming back to proper length. The Carcano action is designed for
working pressures of only about 38,000 psi and the loads given
below should not be exceeded. In a strong, modem action it would
be possible to equal the 300 Savage in performance, but this can¬
not be done safely in the military Carcano.
7.35mm Italian Carcano Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
128 SP
IMR 3031
38
2495
1776
Approx, mil. ball.
128 SP
IMR 4895
40
2500
1782
150 SP
IMR 4320
40
2550
2175
150 SP
IMR 4895
38
2450
2005
150 SP
H-380
41
2490
2070
128 mil. Ball
FL
2483
1749
286 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridges of the World
30 Carbine (30 M-1 Carbine)
Historical Notes In 1940, the U.S. Ordnance Dept, concluded
that a light carbine might have certain advantages over the 45-
caliber semi-auto pistol in many combat situations. Various
designs were submitted by a number of private manufacturers
and, in the end, Winchester’s offering was selected. The semi-auto
30 M-1 Carbine was officially adopted in 1941. The cartridge, a
modification of the 32 Winchester self-loading round of 1906, was
hardly a revolutionary new design, but it served the purpose. At
about the same time, the Germans developed their assault rifle
and the 7.92mm Kurz or short cartridge. The M-1 Carbine is not
an assault rifle and the military insists it was designed to fulfill a
different purpose. A few sporting rifles and handguns have cham¬
bered the 30 Carbine. (See Chapter 2.)
General Comments In mid-1963, the government released 30
M-1 Carbines for sale to civilians through the National Rifle
Association at the very moderate price of around $20. Thou¬
sands of these rifles, as a result, have been used for sporting
purposes. Federal, Winchester and Remington load softpoint
sporting ammunition and for the first time, the M-1 Carbine
must be considered from other than a strictly military view¬
point. The 30 Carbine cartridge is in the same class as the 32-20
WCF, slightly more powerful if anything. It is wholly a small
game and varmint number, despite contrary claims by those
who love the short, light, handy M-1 Carbine. The modest accu¬
racy of the Carbine combined with the ballistics of the cartridge
limit the effective sporting accuracy range to about 150 yards,
maximum. The author used an Ml Carbine to hunt small game
and deer as early as 1943, before most people could get their
hands on one, so he has a pretty good idea of the capability of
the cartridge. Remember that the 32 Winchester self-loading
round became obsolete in 1920 because it was ineffective and
more or less useless for sporting purposes. The 30 Carbine was
derived from it and shares the same shortcomings. However,
the 30 Carbine can shoot relatively less expensive military
ammunition and this allows use of the gun in many situations
not economically feasible with the 32 SL. However, don’t kid
yourself about the terrific power of the 30 Carbine cartridge— it
just isn’t there. Despite this, it can be a very useful cartridge
within its limitations and its use and popularity have increased
considerably over the years.
30 Carbine Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
100
2400
15.5
2170
1045
Speer Plinker
110SP
IMR 4227
15.0
2010
985
125 Lead RN
A1680
15.0
1756
855
Accurate Arms
110 Ml Ball
FL
1975
955
110SP
FL
1990
965
Commercial load
7.5x54mm French MAS
Historical Notes In 1924, the French army adopted a new car¬
tridge, the 7.5x58mm MLE 1924C, for a new automatic rifle. In
1929, the case was shortened 4mm to become the 7.5x54mm
MLE 1929C. It was originally used in light machineguns and
automatic arms, but in 1934 the Lebel Model 07/15 bolt-action
rifle was modified for this round. In 1936, a newly-designed bolt-
action rifle (MAS 36) in the new 7.5mm-caliber was adopted. This
rimless cartridge replaced the rimmed 8mm Lebel, which the
French army had used since 1886.
General Comments Fair quantities of French military rifles of
this caliber have appeared on the surplus market in the last few
years. The French are noted for hanging on to their obsolete mil¬
itary hardware long after it is of any real value. Sporting ammu¬
nition in this caliber has never been manufactured. However,
A.L.M. Arsenal in France is now making this caliber with a Box¬
er primer. Some of the surplus dealers made up hunting ammo
by replacing the military bullet with a similar softpoint type. The
7.5mm MAS is in the same class as the 30-40 Krag or the 303
British and can be used for the same range of game. Performance
can be improved a little in handloading, but only Berdan-primed
military brass has formerly been available. TTie military load
develops about 40,000 psi breech pressure.
The initials MAS represent the French arsenal that developed
the cartridge and rifle, Manufacture d’Armes de Saint Etienne.
7.5x54mm French MAS Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
150 SP
IMR 4831
54
2680
2400
Dup. mil. ball.
150 SP
IMR 4895
48
2800
2620
180 SP
IMR 4895
44
2590
2692
140 mil. Ball
FL
2600
2100
MLE 1929C
8th Edition 287
Chapter 7
30 Army (30-40 Krag)
Historical Notes The 30 U.S. Army, or 30-40 Krag, was the
first small-bore military cartridge adopted by the U.S. Army. It
was adopted in 1892 for the Norwegian-invented, American-mod¬
ified Krag-Jorgensen bolt-action rifle. Original loads used 40
grains of blackpowder with a 220-grain full metal jacket, round-
nose bullet. This was soon changed to smokeless propellant.
The 30-40 Krag cartridge remained in service only a few years
before being replaced in 1903 by the rimless 30-03 cartridge, pre¬
decessor to the 30-06.
General Comments In 1893, Winchester began offering their
High Wall single shot rifle in 30-40 Krag caliber, thus becoming
the first commercial rifle in the U.S. offered for a small-bore,
smokeless powder cartridge. It was nearly two years later before
the 30-30 was available in a smokeless loading.
30-40 Krag Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Comments
220 FMJ-RN Ball FL 2200 2365 Mil. Spec. Load
7.62x51 mm NATO
Historical Notes For the NATO small arms trials in the early
1950s, the U.S. submitted their new T-65 cartridge. This was basi¬
cally a shortened 30-’06 case using the same caliber of bullet and
similar case head dimensions. Case length was reduced from
63mm in the 30-’06 to 51mm for the 7.62mm T-65. This allowed a
lighter, more compact cartridge and rifle. Some of the other NATO
Allies submitted entries which were far more advanced than the
T-65 cartridge. However, the U.S. used its considerable influence
to override all Allied objections to have the 7.62x51mm NATO car¬
tridge adopted. It remains a NATO standard to this day.
In 1957, the U.S. Army adopted the M-14 rifle in 7.62x51mm
caliber. The M60 machinegun is also chambered for this caliber
as are various sniper rifles.
General Comments During the Vietnam War, the U.S. mil¬
itary adopted the 5.56x45mm cartridge for the new M-16 rifle
which greatly upset the other NATO Allies. A new series of
NATO tests was begun in the late 1970s which resulted in the
5.56x45mm cartridge being standardized in 1980. Both 7.62
and 5.56mm calibers remain NATO standard. Recent tenden¬
cies have been to chamber infantry assault rifles for the
5.56mm leaving the 7.62mm cartridge for machineguns. Near¬
ly all NATO Allies manufacture the 7.62mm cartridge. Many
non-NATO countries such as Japan, Australia, Brazil, Tai¬
wan, South Africa, and many others also use this caliber. Ball,
Tracer, Match, Armor Piercing, and Frangible types will be
encountered.
7.62x51 mm NATO Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
MV
ME
150 FMJ-BT Ball M80 FL
2750
2520
168 HP-BT Match M852 FL
2680
2680
288 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridges of the World
7.5x55mm
Swiss Schmidt-Rubin
Historical Notes The first Swiss 7.5mm cartridge was adopted
in 1889 for the Schmidt-Rubin straight-pull rifle of the same year.
The original loading used a 0.299-inch diameter, 213-grain paper-
patched lead bullet and a charge of 29 grains of semi-smokeless
powder. Muzzle velocity was 1970 fps. Later, a steel-capped, hol¬
low-base lead bullet was used, followed by a 190-grain copper or
iron-jacketed, round-nose bullet and smokeless powder (Model
90/03). In 1911, the 174-grain, spitzer, boattail bullet was adopt¬
ed and the diameter increased to .308-inch. Golden State Arms
Corp. imported Japanese-made cases with 210 Boxer primers for
loading sporting ammunition. Both unprimed cases and loaded
rounds are available from Norma.
General Comments The 7.5mm Swiss military cartridge is
another of the surplus items that has become well known to
American shooters only since the end of the war. The Swiss army
made a number of improvements in the straight-pull, Schmidt-
Rubin rifle and the older, less desirable models were sold off* as
obsolete surplus. The original Model 89 with rear-locking lugs,
very long receiver and protruding box magazine was one of those.
The improved Model 1911 with shorter receiver, forward-located
locking lugs and a less conspicuous magazine is another. The 190-
grain load develops about 37,000 psi breech pressure and the 174-
grain load about 45,500 psi, plus has a slightly larger diameter
bullet. The 1911 cartridge, considerably more powerful than the
older loading, should not be used in the Model 89 rifle. In a suit¬
able action, the 7.5mm Swiss cartridge can be loaded to deliver
performance equal to the 308 Winchester and is suitable for the
same range of game.
7.5x55mm Swiss Schmidt-Rubin Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
130 SP
IMR 3031
46
3000
2608
Varmint load
150 SP
IMR 3031
45
2820
2658
165 SP
IMR 4895
42
2570
2430
180 SP
IMR 4064
45
2570
2642
200 SP
IMR 4350
49
2460
2700
174 Ball
FL
2560
2540
180 Norma
FL
2650
2805
Above loads are intended for the 1
Model 1911 rifle or later with .308" diameter bullets.
30-06 Springfield
(30-06 Government/30-06 U.S.)
Historical Notes The 30-06 Springfield is a United States military
cartridge adopted in 1906 for the Model 1903 Springfield service rifle,
which was based on the Mauser bolt-action system. The 30-06 is
actually a slightly-modified version of the original 1903 cartridge,
which was loaded with a 220-grain round-nosed bullet at a muzzle
velocity of2300 fps. Because of cartridge developments in Europe, it
was considered advisable to change to a lighter weight, pointed 150-
grain bullet at an increased velocity of 2700 fps. At the same time
the case neck was shortened by .07-inch. This improved round was
designated the “Ball Cartridge, caliber 30, Model of 1906,” but in
practice, the nomenclature was shortened to 30-06. The 30-06 ver¬
sion can be chambered and fired in any rifle made for the original
1903 round, but the reverse is not true because of the difference in
case length. For many years both the 1903 and 1906 configurations
were loaded by sporting ammunition manufacturers. Shooting the
’06 in the ’03 chamber reportedly gave poor accuracy. Old catalogs
list both rounds. Occasionally the 1903 version is called the 30-45
because the original loading used 45 grains of smokeless powder.
Again, because of military developments in Europe, the Army
switched to a 172-grain bullet with a 9-degree boattail in 1926, the
new round being designated the “Ball, caliber 30, Ml.” Muzzle
velocity, originally the same as the 150-grain load of2700 fps, was
later reduced to 2640 fps because of difficulty maintaining pres¬
sure specifications at the higher velocity. In 1940, the 150-grain
flat-base bullet was re-adopted as the “Cartridge, Ball, caliber 30,
M2” and that was the load used in WWII. The return to the lighter
bullet came about, at least in part, because of difficulties adapting
the new Gar and semi-automatic rifle to handle the 172-grain load.
The heavier boattail bullet was superior for machinegun use
because of its greater maximum range of nearly 6000 yards, com¬
pared to about 3500 yards for the 150-grain loading.
The rimless 30-03 and 30-06 replaced the older rimmed 30-40
Krag as the official U.S. military round. The 30-06 has, in turn,
been superseded by the 7.62x51mm, also known as the 7.62mm
NATO or, in its commercial version, the 308 Winchester; In
Europe, the 30-06 is known as the 7.62x63mm.
General Comments During WWII, the U.S. government supplied
arms and ammunition in 30-06 caliber to many Allied nations includ¬
ing Great Britain, Netherlands, France, China, Australia, New
Zealand and Brazil. To maintain their inventory of weapons, many
countries undertook manufacture of30-06 ammunition after the war.
In the 1950s and 1960s, vast quantities of surplus 30-06 ammu¬
nition was sold on the U.S. market. Shooters will often encounter
Ball, armor piercing and tracer types. Ammunition loaded before
and during WWII is corrosively primed. Practically all U.S. military
ammunition loaded after 1952 has non-corrosive primers. The prin¬
cipal exception is Frankford Arsenal Match ammunition marked
FA 53,54 or 56, which has the old-style corrosive priming.
30-06 Springfield Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
150 FMJ Ball M2 FL 2740 2500
172 FMJ-BT Ball Ml FL 2640 2660
220 FMJ-RN Ball (Ml903) FL 2300 2585
8th Edition 289
Chapter 7
7.62x45mm Czech M52
Historical Notes This cartridge was independently developed
in Czechoslovakia in the late 1940s. It was adopted for official
Czech military use in 1952 along with the M52 assault rifle and
the M52 machinegun. In the interest of standardization in the
Warsaw Pact, the 7.62x45mm cartridge was dropped in the 1960s
in favor of the 7.62x39mm Soviet round. The Czech cartridge is of
interest historically as it is one of the very few successful inde¬
pendently developed assault rifle rounds outside the 7.62x39mm
or 5.56x45mm cartridges. It is now obsolete.
General Comments The 7.62x45mm cartridge offers ballistic
performance very similar to the Soviet 7.62x39. A .309-inch
diameter spitzer boattail bullet weighing 130 grains was used
at a muzzle velocity of 2440 fps. Cases were either brass or lac¬
quered steel with Berdan primers. Both Ball and tracer types
will be found.
The semi-automatic Czech M52 rifle was almost unknown in
the U.S. until recently. About 8000 of the guns have been import¬
ed, as well as shooting quantities of ammunition.
7.62x39mm
(7.62x39mm Soviet M43)
Historical Notes Assault rifle cartridge adopted by Russia in
1943, it did not come into general use until after WWII, but the
Russians now use it as their principal infantry small arms car¬
tridge. Original use was in the SKS semi-automatic carbine, lat¬
er replaced by the AK-47 selective-fire assault rifle. The RPD
light machinegun also uses the M43 cartridge. Finland and those
ex-satellite countries in the Soviet bloc use the M43 cartridge in
arms furnished by Russia or of their own design. This cartridge
was adopted as the result of Russian military experience against
German assault rifles and the 7.92mm Kurz. Ruger introduced
their Mini-30 semi-automatic rifle chambered for the 7.62x39mm
during 1987, and the bolt-action M77 MKII rifle in 1991. Most
military ammunition has a steel case and corrosive Berdan
primer, but reloadable cases are now readily available.
General Comments The M43 catridge is, to some extent, a
shortened, rimless version of the full-powered 7.62mm Nagant
round. However, the body is reduced, and to make reloadable cas¬
es, it is necessary to start with 6.5mm Mannlicher or 7.35mm
Carcano brass. The M43 is V 4 -inch longer than the German
7.92mm Kurz and will give substantially better performance with
newer powders. Semi-auto rifle ballistics are marginal at best for
deer-size animals. This caliber is now loaded commercially by
Federal, Winchester and Remington with brass cases and Boxer
primers.
7.62x39mm Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
110SRAHP
A1680
27.5
2547
1580
Accurate Arms, Max. load (.308”)
125 SRA SP
A1680
25.5
2368
1555
Accurate Arms, Max. load (.311”)
150 SRA SP
A2015BR
26.0
2072
1430
Accurate Arms, Max. load (.311”)
122 Ball
FL
2329
1470
290 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridges of the World
Historical Notes Sometimes called the 7.62x54Rmm Russian,
this cartridge was adopted in 1891 with the Model 1891 Mosin-
Nagant bolt-action rifle. Its 150-grain spitzer bullet was adopt¬
ed in 1909. This cartridge was standard issue in the Russian
army during WWII. It is still standard issue for heavy machine-
guns and the SVO sniper rifle. It was also adopted by Finland,
China and most ex-satellite nations. It remains one of the few
rimmed military cartridges still in standard issue. Russian
Nagant rifles were manufactured in the U.S. by New England
Westinghouse Co. and also by Remington and Winchester dur¬
ing WWI. After the war, a large number of surplus rifles were
sold commercially and Remington loaded a 150-grain bronze-
point hunting round. Additional Russian Nagant rifles and car¬
bines have been sold in surplus stores since the end of WWII.
Many were captured during the Korean conflict. New rifles are
now being imported from China.
General Comments The 7.62x54R Russian cartridge has been
kicked around since about 1919 and is fairly well known to Amer¬
ican shooters. Remington discontinued loading this round about
1950. It is currently available here only from Norma. Russian
military cartridges use Berdan primers, usually of 6.45mm (.254-
inch) diameter.
With the 150-grain bullet, the 7.62mm Russian is in the same
class as the 30-06. However, with its smaller case capacity, it
won’t do as well as the 30-06 when loaded with heavier bullets.
Although bullets measure .309-.311-inch in diameter in military
ammo, .308-inch bullets will work fine for reloading. Standard
working pressure is about 45,000 psi.
7.62x53Rmm Russian Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
150 SP
IMR 3031
49
2800
2620
Approx, fact.
180 SP
IMR 4320
48
2630
2772
220 SP
IMR 4350
45
2350
2705
147 Ball
FL
2886
2727
Type LPS bullet.
150 SP Norma
FL
2950
2820
180 SP Norma
FL
2580
2650
185 Ball
FL
2660
2910
Type O bullet
303 British
Historical Notes As a military cartridge, the 303 British must
be considered one of the most successful of its type. Developed
during 1887 and adopted in 1888, it was the official military car¬
tridge of the British Commonwealth in WWI and II. It was
replaced by the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge in 1957.
Originally, the 303 cartridge was loaded with a 215-grain
round-nosed bullet encased in a cupro-nickel jacket. This bullet,
backed by 70 grains of compressed blackpowder, developed a
muzzle velocity of 1850 fps. Energy at the muzzle was 1630 fp. In
the 1890s, in response to reports from the frontier that the jack¬
eted round-nose solid bullet was ineffective against tribesmen,
Capt. Bertie Clay at the arsenal at Dum Dum, India, perfected
the expanding bullet with the jacket open at the nose to expose
the lead core, which mushroomed on impact. Such projectiles
became known as Dum Dum bullets.
In 1892, the propellant was changed to the then-new Cordite
smokeless powder and the velocity upped to 1970 fps. In 1910, a
174-grain pointed flat-base bullet was adopted and the velocity
increased to 2440 fps. This was the Mk VII round, still in use
when the 303 was discontinued.
Bullets for the Mk VII cartridge had an aluminum or fiber-
filled tip with the base of conventional lead alloy. This made the
bullet longer than normal for its weight. It also produced a stable
projectile in flight that would tumble easily on contact, thus
increasing the wounding potential.
The 303 cartridge was designed for the Lee-Metford Mk I mag¬
azine rifle, a tumbolt type invented by James Paris Lee, an
American. In 1895, the segmental and shallow Metford-type
rifling was discontinued in favor of the deeper Enfield-type. (Met-
ford had, in fact, also patented the so-called Enfield rifling prior to
his segmental form.) From this point on, the rifle was known as
the Lee-Enfield. There are many variations and types.
General Comments The 303 British cartridge has been used
extensively in Africa, Canada and India by settlers and govern¬
ment workers. It gained a bad reputation because the full-jacket¬
ed military bullet tended to break up on impact. However, with
proper sporting bullets it does quite well on the lighter, non-dan-
gerous varieties. Norma offers one loading: a 150-grain soft-nose
and U.S. companies now load it with a 180-grain softpoint.
Although usually classed with the 30-40 Krag, the 303 actually
has a slight edge over the Krag. For one thing, it has a nominal oper¬
ating pressure of45-48,000 psi compared to 40-42,000 psi for the 30-
40. Also, late model Enfield rifles are much stronger than the Krag
and will stand pressures up around 50,000 psi. Enfield No. 4 Mk I
rifles have been converted successfully to use the 7.62mm NATO.
Ammo for the 303 loaded in Britain had the Berdan primer,
and in older lots, usually Cordite powder. Military ammo loaded
by American companies has the Boxer primer and American-type
nitrocellulose powder.
Proper jacketed bullet diameter for the 303 is .311-inch. Cast
bullets may run to .312-inch or even .313-inch. Loading data will
be found in Chapter 2.
303 British Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
215 Ball
Cordite
1970
1850
Original load
215 Ball
Blackpowder 70.0
1850
1630
175 Ball
FL
2440
2310
Mk VII Ball
215 Ball
FL
2050
2010
Mk VI Ball
8th Edition 291
Chapter 7
7.7x58mm Japanese Arisaka
Historical Notes The 7.7mm cartridge was adopted by the
Japanese in 1939 to replace the older 6.5mm, but they ended up
using both calibers during WWII. They also adopted a new rifle,
the Model 99 Arisaka, which was a modification of the earlier
1905 weapon. Norma makes empty cases and sporting ammuni¬
tion in this caliber with American Boxer-type primers. No sport¬
ing rifles have ever been manufactured in this caliber.
General Comments The 7.7mm, or 31 Jap as it is sometimes
called, is very similar to the 303 British cartridge and uses the
same .311-inch diameter bullets. However, it is a rimless type,
whereas the British case is rimmed (there is also a semi-rimmed
Japanese version for machinegun use). The 7.7mm Japanese can
be used for the same kind and size of game as the 303 British.
With good Norma sporting ammunition available, this has become
one of the more useful military cartridges for North American
hunting. Military loads develop about 42,000 psi pressure.
7.7x58mm Japanese Arisaka Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
130 SP
IMR 3031
46
2950
2510
Dup. fact. ball.
150 SP
IMR 3031
41
2680
2400
180 SP
IMR 4064
45
2490
2470
Dup. fact. ball.
215 SP
IMR 4064
42
2240
2405
130 SP (Norma)
FL
2950
2510
175 mil. Ball
FL
2400
2237
180 SP (Norma)
FL
2490
2470
7.65x53mm Mauser (Argentine)
Historical Notes Mauser-designed for the 1889 Belgian pattern
rifle, the 7.65mm was also adopted by Argentina, Bolivia, Colum¬
bia, Ecuador, Peru and Turkey. In the United States, Remington
and Winchester loaded sporting ammunition and furnished rifles
in this caliber until about 1936. It has been obsolete in the U.S.
since that time, but sporting ammunition has always been loaded
in Europe. The Remington Model 30 and Winchester Model 54
bolt-action rifles were chambered for the 7.65mm, and it enjoyed
a limited popularity for a few years. With the influx of 1891
Argentine Mauser military rifles, it is having another go around
on the American market.
General Comments The 7.65mm Mauser is a well-designed
cartridge and gives excellent performance for North American
hunting. In power, it is similar to the 308 Winchester, which
makes it adequate for all medium game.
Arsenal primers are Berdan 5.5mm or .217-inch, a size avail¬
able in several European makes. Occasionally one encounters
discontinued American-made cases or ammunition, and these use
Large Rifle (.210-inch) primers. Cases can be made from empty
30-06 brass by using case-forming dies available from several
American manufacturers. Bullet size is .313-inch, but .311-inch
or .312-inch diameter bullets will give satisfactory accuracy. Nor¬
ma-made cases and loaded ammunition are imported with Boxer
primers.
7.65x53mm Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
150 SP
IMR 4895
47
2810
2638
150 SP
IMR 4895
42
2550
2172
174 SP
IMR 489S
45
2590
2600
175 SP
IMR 4350
49
2560
2550
175 SP
IMR 4831
53
2456
2346
180 SP (Norma)
FL
2590
2685
150 SP (Norma)
FL
2920
2841
155 FMJ-BT Ball
FL
2710
2530
TypeS
174 FMJ-BT Ball
FL
2460
2340
Type SS
211 FMJ Ball
FL
2130
2150
Original load
292 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridges of the World
8x50Rmm Siamese Mauser
(Type 45)
Historical Notes Adopted in 1902, this cartridge derives
its name from the Thai year of adoption—2445. It was the
standard Siamese military cartridge from 1902 until WWII.
It is historically significant for two reasons. First, the 8x50R
Siamese is the only rimmed military cartridge adapted to a
unique variation of the popular Mauser rifle. Second, it was
the first cartridge to be manufactured in quantity in Thai¬
land (at the National Arsenal in Bangkok). During WWII,
the production machinery was moved to the hills to escape
Japanese seizure. The machinery served to supply the guer¬
rilla movement. When the war ended it was moved back to
Bangkok.
General Comments The 8x50R cartridge was loaded with a
.321-inch diameter cupro-nickel clad, full metal jacket, round-
nose bullet and brass cartridge case with Berdan primer. Only
Ball bullets were used. Some manufacture of this cartridge was
also contracted out to Japan and Germany. In 1923, a new car¬
tridge was adopted, the 8x52R. Rifles for the older round were
rechambered and rear sights modified. During the late 1970s
thousands of these surplus rifles were sold in the U.S.
8x50Rmm Siamese Mauser Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
237 Ball FL 2050 (est.) 2210
8x52Rmm Siamese
(Type 66)
Historical Notes In 1923, the Siamese army adopted a new car¬
tridge with a pointed bullet. The case length was 2mm longer
than the older 8x50Rmm Siamese cartridge, so the two were not
interchangeable. The new round was adapted to a new Mannlich-
er infantry rifle and carbine, as well as to Madsen, Browning and
Vickers machineguns. Older rifles for the 8x50Rmm cartridge
were rechambered. The 8x52R cartridge remained in production
in Thailand until 1953, after which Ball ammunition was con¬
tracted out (chiefly to Kynoch in England) until finally discontin¬
ued in the late 1960s.
General Comments The pointed, flat-base Ball bullet of the
8x52R cartridge will be found with both cupro-nickel clad steel
and gilding metal jackets. Cases are of brass with Berdan
primers. Boxer-primed cases will also be encountered. In addi¬
tion to Ball loadings, there were tracer, armor piercing and
armor piercing incendiary types. This caliber was also made
by Kynoch (U.K.), in Japan and Denmark, and recently by
Sako of Finland. Surplus rifles in this caliber are often
encountered in the U.S.
8x52Rmm Siamese Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
181 Ball FL 2250 (est.) 2615
8th Edition 293
Chapter 7
8x58Rmm Danish Krag
Historical Notes Danish-designed military cartridge adopted
in 1889 for the M89 Krag-Jorgensen bolt-action rifle. The car¬
tridge was adopted by Norway in 1888 for a Remington carbine
and later adopted by both Denmark and Sweden in 1889. The
original loading was the 237-grain round-nosed bullet, but in
1908, this was changed to a 196-grain spitzer bullet at a muzzle
velocity of 2460 fps. This was at one time a popular sporting and
target cartridge in the Scandinavian countries. Rifles based on
the Remington rolling block action and chambered for this round
were once common in Scandinavian countries, although not any
longer. A few were imported into the U.S.
General Comments The Danish 8mm military cartridge has
a good reputation for accuracy in the Danish Krag rifle. It is also
noted for very satisfactory killing power on European big game.
It was practically unknown in the United States until after
WWII, when a number of surplus Norwegian Krags were sold.
As a military cartridge, it is in the same class as our own 30-40
Krag or the 303 British. However, the sporting ammunition
once offered by Norma was far more powerful than any com¬
mercial loads for the 30-40 or 303. In fact, the 198-grain bullet
at 2740 fps develops more energy than any commercial 30-06
load. This is one of the better military cartridges from the point
of view of the North American hunter. European sporting car¬
tridges are loaded to pressures of from 42,000 to 45,000 psi.
This cartridge is no longer commercially loaded and ammuni¬
tion has become very scarce.
8x58Rmm Danish Krag Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
159 SP
IMR 3031
52.4
2870
2920
Dup. fact. ball.
196 SP
IMR 4895
54
2630
3020
Dup. fact. ball.
198 SP
IMR 4895
54.5
2740
3310
Dup. fact. ball.
159 SP (Norma)
FL
2870
2920
196 SP (Norma)
FL
2630
3020
198 SP (Norma)
FL
2740
3310
237 (Ball)
FL
1968
2041
7.92x33mm Kurz
Historical Notes Developed during 1940-41 for use in the new¬
ly-conceived German MKB42 assault rifle, it was first tested in
combat against the Russian army at Cholm, Russia, in late 1942.
Several changes and modifications culminated in the Sturm-
gewehr rifle, or Stg-44. This was the first successful assault rifle
cartridge and as such marks an important milestone in military
history that has had a profound effect on small arms develop¬
ment. The 7.92mm Kurz is a short version of the standard
7.92mm (8mm) Mauser cartridge. No sporting rifle has ever been
made for this round. Ammunition was manufactured in East
Germany for some years for export customers.
General Comments This is a medium-range cartridge de¬
signed to increase infantry firepower by permitting more accu¬
rate and controlled full automatic fire. This is not possible from
lightweight shoulder weapons using full-powered cartridges such
as the 30-06 or the German 8x57mm Mauser. The idea must
have been quite effective because it was used against the Rus¬
sians, who almost immediately copied it and brought out an
assault rifle and cartridge of their own. It has been demonstrated
that in close combat in cities, jungles or similar areas, these
reduced-power cartridges have all the range and penetration nec¬
essary.
The German Sturmgewehr, or assault rifle, had a 16-inch bar¬
rel, weighed 10 to 11 pounds loaded and used a 30-shot magazine.
As a sporting cartridge, the 7.92mm Kurz would be less powerful
than the 30-30 and not very well suited for anything but small to
medium game. Because guns for this cartridge are capable of full
automatic fire, none have been sold in shooting condition because
they come under the National Firearms Act. This caliber has nev¬
er been commercially manufactured. Military ammunition is not
reloadable as it is steel cased and Berdan primed.
7.92x33mm Kurz Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
125 *
4198 20
2070
1193
125
4198 23
2310
1485
Max.
125 mil. Ball
FL
2247
1408
294 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridge of the World
8x50Rmm Austrian Mannlicher
Historical Notes Austrian military cartridge adopted in 1888
for the Mannlicher Model 88 straight-pull rifle, and also used in
the later improved Model 95. This cartridge was also used by
Bulgaria, Greece and Hungary. It remains fairly popular as a
sporting cartridge in Europe and both Mauser and Mannlicher-
Schoenauer rifles of this type have been chambered for it. Sport>
ing ammunition is still loaded in Europe by Hirtenberger, and
this caliber is being imported to the United States. This was
originally a blackpowder design and smokeless powder was not
used until about 1890.
General Comments During the 1920s and ’30s, a few Euro¬
pean sporting rifles chambered for the 8x50R cartridge were
imported into the United States and used to a limited extent for
big game hunting. This is another 30-40 Krag class cartridge,
which is adequate for most North American big game. It uses
.323-inch diameter bullets of which there is a good variety avail¬
able for handloading. Berdan-primed cases appear to use the
5.1mm or .199-inch primer, although this is variable. Hirten¬
berger ammunition is Boxer primed and loaded at 40,000 to
42,000 psi. The Model 88 Mannlicher straight-pull rifle uses a
hinged block on the underside of the bolt to lock the action. It is
not noted for great strength and pressures must be kept quite
low for safety. The Model 95 has a revolving bolt head and for¬
ward locking lugs, which provide greater strength. Many 95s
were altered to shoot the standard German 8mm Mauser ser¬
vice cartridge.
8x50Rmm Austrian Mannlicher Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
159 SP
IMR 3031
48
2460
2142
227 SP
IMR 3031
45
2040
2102
244 SP
IMR 3031
45
2010
2200
Approx, mil. load
196 SP
FL
2310
2320
Hirtenberger sporting
244 Ball
FL
2030
2240
Above loads are for the Model 88 action provided it is in good condition.
8x50Rmm Lebel
Historical Notes The 8mm Lebel was the first small-bore
smokeless powder military cartridge developed by any world
power. The cartridge and the Lebel bolt-action rifle were both
adopted in 1886. The original loading used a 232-grain jacketed
flat-nose, flat-base bullet called the Balle M. In 1898, a solid
bronze, spitzer boattail, 198-grain bullet was adopted—the
famous Balle D. The cartridge was further updated in 1932 with
the adoption of the Balle 32M which had a cupro-nickel clad steel
jacket over a lead core. This spitzer boattail bullet weighed 190
grains. Its rimmed case was not well adapted to automatic arms,
so it was replaced by the rimless 7.5x54mm MAS round in 1929.
Remington manufactured Lebel rifles and ammunition for the
French government during WWI. When the war ended, all the
surplus was sold commercially and Remington turned out sport¬
ing ammo with a 170-grain bronze-pointed bullet. No sporting
rifles have been made in this caliber. Military production of this
caliber in France continued even under German occupation.
General Comments Probably more 8mm Lebel rifles were sold
during the 1920s and ’30s than following WWII. The Remington
factory products were all brand new and in perfect condition,
which is more than can be said for the more recent war surplus
models that have shown up. The 8mm Lebel cartridge is in about
the 30-40 Krag class and makes a fine caliber for deer through
elk hunting. Remington no longer lists 8mm Lebel sporting
ammunition and it is difficult to find. Plenty of good .323-inch bul¬
lets are available and American cases can easily be reloaded. Mil¬
itary cases have Berdan primers of .199-inch or .216-inch size and
are not very practical to reload.
8x50Rmm Lebel Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
170 SP
IMR 4895 49
2570
2500
198 SP
IMR 3031 46
2380
2481
Dup. mil. ball.
198 SP
IMR 4895 45
2450
2645
170 (Remington)
FL
2640
2630
198 Ball
FL
2380
2481
Balle D, Balle 32M
8th Edition 295
Chapter 7
7.9x57mm J and JS
(8mm German Mauser)
Historical Notes The 8mm Mauser is one of the world’s truly
great military cartridges. It was the official German military cal¬
iber in both world wars and was also adopted by Czechoslovakia,
Poland, China and other countries. It is also a popular sporting
round in many parts of the world.
Although designated the 8mm “Mauser,” the original military
round was designed for the German Model 88 commission rifle,
which was a modified Mannlicher-type, not a Mauser design.
This rifle was known officially as the Gewehr 88, or German
Infantry Model 1888. It was designed by the German Infantry
Board or Commission at Spandau Arsenal. It was replaced in
1898 by the superior Mauser model of that year. The original J
Patrone cartridge used a round-nosed, 226-grain bullet of .318-
inch diameter. Muzzle velocity was 2093 fps. In 1905, the Ger¬
mans adopted an improved cartridge that retained the original
8x57mm case, but employed a larger diameter bullet of .323-inch.
The new S Patrone bullet was fighter at 154 grains and was of
pointed, or spitzer-type. Muzzle velocity was upped to 2880 fps.
All German military rifles manufactured since 1905 have the
.323-inch bore.
The German 8mm military cartridge is designated by a “J” for
“Infanterie” (the German I was mistaken for a J). The later .323-
inch bore or caliber is indicated by an “S” for spitzer-type. Sport¬
ing ammunition in 8mm is labeled by the same system. The
8x57J or 1888 cartridge can be fired safely in the 1905 or S-bore
rifles, though accuracy is poor. However, it is not safe to fire the
larger S (.323-inch) bullet in the smaller J (.318-inch) bore.
General Comments Thousands of 8mm military rifles have
been sold through surplus dealers since the end of WWII. Most
were bought to obtain the 98 Mauser action, which served as the
basis for building a sporting rifle in some U.S. caliber. In many
instances, the cost of making up a new rifle on a military action
is not justified. However, if the original caliber is retained and
modification held to the minimum, many of these rifles are a
good buy.
The 8x57JS Mauser is an outstanding sporting cartridge in its
own right, being in the same class as our 30-06. Unfortunately,
U.S. ammunition companies load only the “S” version of the 8mm.
This has a 170-grain bullet at 2360 fps, which about duplicates
the 30-40 Krag in power. Norma makes both 165- and 196-grain
sporting loads that bring out the full potential of this cartridge.
Sporting loads and handloading data will be found in Chapter 2.
7.9x57mm J and JS Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Comments
154 Ball FL 2880 2835 S Patrone
226 Ball FL 2095 2200 J Patrone
WARNING! Many J bore (.318 2 ) rifles stillexist and will fire S bore (.323 2 ) cartridges, creating
dangerous pressures. When in doubt, check bore diameter CAREFULLY!
9
8x63mm Swedish
Historical Notes A Swedish military round introduced in 1932
for use in various Browning air- or water-cooled machineguns,
and for the m/40 rifle. Swedish military rifles and fight machine-
guns are chambered for the standard 6.5x55mm cartridge. Its use
is confined to Sweden and it is practically unknown outside that
area. Although fisted in past issues of COTW as a sporting round,
it was never actually loaded as a sporting cartridge.
General Comments The 8x63 nearly duplicates the wildcat
8mm/06 cartridge, which is the 30-06 necked-up to accept .323-
inch bullets. However, the 8x63 has a slightly larger diameter
case and should be capable of delivering about 15 percent more
energy if loaded to the same pressure. (Incidentally, never fire a
cartridge just because it looks like or has a similar designation to
the one the gun is chambered for. This can be extremely danger¬
ous. Almost is not good enough, so if you are at all uncertain
about the proper cartridge, have a competent gunsmith check the
bullet diameter, case dimensions and headspace. Some British
and European cartridges look very much like similar American
rounds, but they absolutely will not interchange safely.) The 8x63
Swedish is in the same class as our own 30-06.
8x63mm Swedish Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
150 SP
4895
60
3050
3100
170 SP
4320
57
2820
3020
225 SP
4350
57
2450
2960
218 Ball
FL
2493
3025
296 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridge of the World
8x60Rmm Guedes M85
Portuguese
Historical Notes Portugal adopted the 8mm Guedes rifle and
cartridge in 1885; the gun was a single shot, under-lever type
based on the Martini-Henry design. The rifles were manufac¬
tured by Steyr in Austria and were well made and finished. One
of the last of the militaiy single shots, it had a very short life.
General Comments The 8mm Guedes cartridge represented a
ballistic advance similar to the 9.5mm Turkish Mauser. However,
the Guedes rifle was a step in the wrong direction because all the
powers of the time were rapidly developing repeating rifles. Both
rifle and cartridge are rare.
The 8mm Guedes was replaced in 1896 by an apparently inter¬
changeable cartridge, the 8x60R Kropatschek (later shortened to
56mm). This cartridge was used in the Austrian-made Kropatschek
rifle, a tube-magazine repeater. No sporting rifles were made for
either of these rounds.
8x60Rmm Guedes M85 Portuguese Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
175 Lead
Fg 75
1740
1182
Lyman #321232
175 Lead
IMR 4198 28
1670
1090
Lyman #321232
247 Ball
Fg 70
1706
1605
Military load
Historical Note Cartridge for the Italian Breda Model 1937
and 1938 machineguns. Insofar as can be established, it has nev¬
er been used as a sporting cartridge.
General Comments Different bullet weights and muzzle veloc¬
ities are fisted for the 8mm Breda and this may reflect the vari¬
ous military loadings. Bullet diameter varies from .322-inch to
.326-inch. The cartridge is similar to the 8mm Mauser, but the
case is fatter and Vio-inch longer. The original purpose of the
8mm Breda was to replace the 6.5mm Italian cartridge as a more
effective machinegun round.
8x59mm Breda Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
210 Ball
FL
2600
3160
Military Ball
8x53Rmm Japanese Murata
Historical Notes Japanese service cartridge adopted in 1887 for the
tube-magazine Murata tumbolt rifle, a modification of the earlier sin¬
gle shot and repeating Murata rifles of llmm-cafiber. It is similar to
the French Chassepot in design. The 8mm Murata was the principal
rifle used by the Japanese in the Sino-Japanese war of 1894. It was
known officially as the Meiji 20-8mm rifle and cartridge. Meiji refers
to the period of the reign of the Emperor of that name (1868-1912).
The cartridge was replaced in 1897 by the 6.5mm round.
General Comments Both the 8mm Murata rifle and cartridge
are collector’s items, and rare ones at that. The cartridge was
loaded with smokeless powder and a 238-grain jacketed bullet of
.320-inch diameter. Both have a flat nose for use in the tubular
magazine. You are not very likely to have one of these rifles avail¬
able for hunting or anything else. However, if you do, the car¬
tridge would be adequate for anything to elk-sized animals at
moderate range. The 8x53Rmm is unusual among military car¬
tridges in that it has a protected primer which appears as a
primer within a primer.
8x53Rmm Japanese Murata Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
238 Ball
FL
1850
1810
8th Edition 297
Chapter 7
8x56Rmm Austrian/
Hungarian Mannlicher
8mm Hungarian M31
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed in 1930 for
the Solothum machine gun. It was subsequently adopted by
Hungary about 1931, actually goes back to the mid-1920s
when it was developed to replace the 8x50Rmm Austrian
round. It is usually designated the M31. It differs from the old¬
er Austrian 8x50Rmm having a longer, tapered shoulder, plus
a bullet of slightly larger diameter. It was used in the Hun¬
garian Model 35 Mannlicher bolt-action rifle and also the mod¬
ified Model 95 straight-pull Mannlicher. In 1940, Hungary
adopted the standard German 8mm military round and many
of their rifles were then altered to this caliber. As far as we
know, no sporting rifles were turned out in the 8mm Hungar¬
ian caliber.
General Comments This cartridge is often confused with the
8x56 Mannlicher-Schoenauer, which is a rimless sporting car¬
tridge, whereas the Hungarian military round is rimmed. The
two are not interchangeable as there is considerable difference in
the case dimensions as well as bullet diameter.
Rifles in this caliber are rare on the American market and
ammunition is extremely difficult to find. The .329-inch diameter
bullet makes reloading a problem because bullets of this size are
not normally available. It is possible to use .323-inch bullets, but
accuracy is poor. Military rifles in this caliber should be consid¬
ered primarily collector’s items because of the ammunition prob¬
lem. In power, the 8x56R Hungarian and the 8x50R Austrian
cartridge are in the 30-40 Krag class.
8x56Rmm Hungarian Mannlicher Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
198 SP
IMR 3031
46
2310
2358
.323" bullet
206 Ball
IMR 3031
45
2300
2420
Mil. bullet
338 Lapua Magnum
8.58x71 mm (Finland)
Historical Notes In 1983, Research Armament Co. in the U.S.
began development of a new, long-range sniper cartridge capable
of firing a 250-grain, .338-inch diameter bullet at 3000 fps. After
preliminary experiments, a 416 Rigby case necked down to .338-
inch was selected. Brass Extrusion Labs Ltd. of Bensenville, Illi¬
nois, made the cases, Homady produced bullets, and Research
Armament built the gun under contract for the U.S. Navy. Sub¬
sequently, Lapua of Finland has put this caliber into production.
General Comments You have to burn a lot of powder to
launch a 250-grain bullet at 3000 fps. The 338 Lapua Mag¬
num, as it is known commercially, or the 8.58x71mm, does
just that. The full metal jacket, boattail military bullet is
reportedly very effective at 1500 meters. The commercial soft-
point bullet is intended for hunting very heavy game. Car¬
tridge cases are brass with Boxer primers. Guns for this
cartridge are bolt actions.
338 Lapua Magnum Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
250 FMJ-BT Ball
FL
2950
4830
250 SP
FL
2855
4525
298 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridge of the World
9.5x60Rmm Turkish Mauser
Historical Notes Adopted by Turkey in 1887 with the M87
Mauser bolt-action repeating rifle, which was a modification of
the German Model 71784. This last Mauser-designed blackpow-
der cartridge is one of the most efficient ever developed. Mauser
concluded after extensive testing and experimenting that the
9.5mm bullet gave the maximum performance possible with this
propellant. The cartridge was used for 3 years before it was obso-
leted by smokeless powder. In 1890, Turkey adopted the 7.65mm
Mauser cartridge. The 9.5mm is often referred to as the Turkish
Peabody because it was used extensively also in the Peabody-
Martini single shot rifle.
General Comments The Turkish Mauser Model 87 rifle is
largely a collector’s item because the Turks scrapped most of them
when they adopted the 7.65mm in 1890. However, a good number
of the single shot Peabody-Martini rifles in this caliber survived.
The cartridge has been obsolete in Europe since the turn of the
century. As a hunting number, the 9.5mm Turkish would be ade¬
quate for North American big game at moderate ranges.
9.5x60Rmm Turkish Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
285 Lead
Fg 70
1758
1961
Military load, paper-patched bullet
290 Lead
IMR 4198 34
1500
1445
Lyman #403173
284 Lead
FL
1758
1961
10.15x61 Rmm Jarmann
Historical Notes Military cartridge adopted by Norway and
Sweden in 1881 for use in the Jarmann tumbolt, tube magazine
repeating rifle, officially adopted in 1884, with a modified version
adopted in 1887. It was used for only 7 years before being
replaced by the 6.5x55mm cartridge and the Krag rifle.
General Comments The 10.15mm Jarmann is nearly un¬
known in the U.S. and the Jarmann rifle is a collector’s item. The
cartridge was not used long enough to build much of a following,
even in the Scandinavian countries, although it was used to a
limited extent in Norway and Sweden for sporting purposes. It is
one of the more efficient blackpowder cartridges and is compara¬
ble to the 9.5mm Turkish Mauser.
10.15x61 Rmm Jarmann Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
337 Lead
Fg 80
1625
1990
Military load, paper-patched bullet
290 Lead
IMR 4198 32
1430
1320
Lyman #403173
337 Lead
FL
1625
1990
10.15x63Rmm
Serbian Mauser
Historical Notes Military cartridge adopted in 1878 by Serbia
for use in the Mauser Model 78/80 single shot rifle, which was
nothing more than a slight modification of the Mauser Model 71
rifle. In the Serbian model, the left receiver wall enclosed the bolt
more fully than in the original M71. This modification was later
incorporated into the design of the Mauser 71/84 repeating rifle.
Quantities of the German 71/84 were also chambered for the Ser¬
bian cartridge and sold to that country. It is reported that various
10.15 Serbian Mauser rifles were encountered in the Balkans as
late as WWII.
General Comments This is another rare military cartridge not
likely to be used for sporting purposes. I do not know of any of
these Serbian Mauser rifles being sold in the U.S. However, one
can never entirely anticipate what some alert arms scout may
find hidden away in the future. If any of these rifles do show up,
you can make ammunition by sizing 11mm Mauser cases, full
length in a 10.15mm die. Lyman #412263 (290-grain) bullet
intended for the 405 Winchester could be sized to the proper .411-
inch and used with blackpowder or 34 grains of smokeless IMR
4198.
10.15x63Rmm Serbian Mauser Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
340 Lead
FL
1460
1612
8th Edition 299
Chapter 7
10.4x38Rmm Swiss Vetterli M69/81
Historical Notes Swiss military cartridge adopted in 1869 for
use in the Vetterli tumbolt rifle. The official military round is rim-
fire, but a centerfire version was also loaded in Europe. The car¬
tridge and rifle were discontinued in 1889.
General Comments The 10.4mm, or 41 Swiss, cartridge is quite
well known in the U.S. and most American companies loaded it
until about 1942. Thousands of surplus Swiss Vetterli rifles have
been sold in this country and a surprising number have been used
for hunting deer. For a time, there was a good supply of both rifles
and cartridges in dealers’ stock. American ammunition was loaded
with smokeless powder. The 41 Swiss would be a barely adequate
short-range cartridge for deer-class animals. The rimfire military
version can’t be reloaded. This cartridge is unusual in that it is one
of the few rimfire military rounds.
10.4x38Rmm Swiss Vetterli M69/81 Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
334 Lead FL 1345 1330
Some sources list the MV as 1427 fps.
10.4x47Rmm Italian Vetterli M70
Historical Notes Italian military cartridge adopted in 1870. It
was used in the Vetterli single shot, turnbolt rifle and a later
modified box magazine repeater (Vitali system). Many of these
cartridges were loaded with a brass-coated bullet.
General Comments The 10.4 Italian service cartridge has not
been produced for many years, but occasional lots of surplus
ammunition have appeared in the surplus arms stores. In perfor¬
mance it is practically identical to the 10.4mm Swiss Vetterli.
Italian Vetterli rifles are fairly common in the U.S.
10.4x47Rmm Italian Vetterli M70 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
313
Fg 62
1345
1264
Military load
250 Lead
IMR 4198 27
1300
948
Lyman #429251
313 Lead
FL
1345
1264
10.75x58Rmm Russian Berdan
Historical Notes The 10.75x58R was adopted by Russia in
1868 and used in the Berdan I and the Kmka M69 rifles. After
1871, it was used in the Berdan II rifle—all single shot arms.
This was the first military cartridge with the outside, centerfire,
Berdan primer and a bottleneck case. Large quantities of these
cartridges were manufactured in the U.S. by Remington and
Winchester for the Russian government. Most of the Berdan
rifles were made by Colt, but the Russians also manufactured
them at their Tula arsenal.
General Comments This was primarily a military cartridge
and was not used to any great extent for sporting purposes. Dur¬
ing the 1950s and ’60s, a fair number of the old Colt-made Berdan
I and II rifles showed up in various surplus stores along with suit¬
able blackpowder ammunition. In the U.S. this was known as the
43 Berdan cartridge.
The Berdan I rifle is a forward hinged, lift-block type (striker
fired) and the Berdan II is a tumbolt single shot, somewhat sim¬
ilar to the Model 71 Mauser. The Kmka is a breech-loading con¬
version of the Russian muzzle-loading rifle. In 1867, the Berdan
I-type action was tested by an American military board as a pos¬
sible means of converting the muzzle-loading Springfield to
breech-loading.
10.75x58Rmm Russian Berdan Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Comments
250 Lead IMR4198 33 1400 1100 Lyman #429251
370 Lead Fg 77 1450 1724 Military load, paper-patched bullet
370 Lead IMR4198 31 1410 1640
300 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridge of the World
11x60Rmm Japanese Murata
Historical Notes This is the original Japanese military car¬
tridge designed by Major Murata for his single shot turnbolt
rifle. Different authorities give varying dates for the introduc¬
tion of the rifle and cartridge. The rifle is called the Meiji 13-
11mm by the Japanese, which would make the date of
introduction 1880. It was later replaced by an 8mm round. The
Japanese purchased obsolete European military rifles until they
developed their own. They used quantities of the French Chas-
sepot and the Murata rifle is based on this French design. The
11mm Murata cartridge is also quite similar to the 11mm Gras,
which was used in the modified Chassepot. The 11mm Murata
cartridge is also quite similar to the 11mm Gras, which was
used in the modified Chassepot.
General Comments The 11mm Murata is another collector’s
item, too rare and valuable to shoot even if you had several of
them. Less valuable ammunition can be made by reforming 348
Winchester brass. Bullet diameter is .432-inch, but Lyman’s No.
439186 (370-grain) bullet could probably be sized down and made
to work. Use loading data for the 11mm Gras or the 11mm
Mauser because power and range are almost identical.
11x60Rmm Japanese Murata Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Comments
420 Lead FL 1487 2063 Military load
11x50Rmm Belgian
Albini M67/72
Historical Notes Belgian military cartridge adopted in
1867 and used in the Albini-Braendlin single shot, lift-block
rifle. It is often confused with the 11mm Comblain, which it
resembles. It was originally loaded with blackpowder and a
paper-patched bullet. Most of the original Albini rifles were
sold off and many remodeled into sporter-types or recham¬
bered for sporting cartridges of the late 1800s.
General Comments Moderate numbers of the old Albini
Braendlin rifles have been sold in the U.S. as collector’s
items. Most of these were in good condition and sold for low
prices. Ammunition is very scarce and much too valuable to
shoot.
11x50Rmm Belgian Albini M67/72 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics_
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Comments
386 Lead Fg 75 1368 1610 Military load, paper-patched bullet
370 Lead IMR4198 29 1350 1500 Lyman #439186
11x53Rmm Belgian
Comblain M71
Historical Notes The 11mm Belgian Comblain was never an
official military round, but was used by the Belgian civil guard. It
was introduced in 1871 as the cartridge for the falling-block type
Comblain single shot rifle. Rifles of this caliber were used to a
limited extent by some of the South American countries. The
11mm Albini was the official Belgian military cartridge.
General Comments The 11mm Belgian Comblain is similar to
the Brazilian Comblain, but they are not interchangeable and
should not be confused because they are different cartridges.
However, there is not much difference in the performance or pow¬
er of the two rounds.
11x53Rmm Belgian Comblain M71 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Comments
370 Lead IMR4198 32 1460 1755 Lyman #439186
386 Lead Fg 76 1445 1787_Military load, paper-patched bullet
8th Edition 301
Chapter 7
11.15x58Rmm (43)
Spanish Remington
General Comments The 11mm (43) Spanish Remington was
not seen in the U.S. until after WWII, when large numbers of
Remington rolling block rifles were sold as surplus. Blackpowder
ammo was available for a short time, but is now a collectors item.
Many of these rifles have been rebarreled to some other caliber.
However, ammunition can be made from 348 Winchester brass.
It is also possible to have these rifles rechambered to accept the
348 Winchester case, which is expanded to take .439-inch diame¬
ter bullets. This works quite well.
There are actually three blackpowder Spanish military
11.15mm cartridges. The one listed here, a carbine version with a
case length of l 7 /s inches loaded with 60 grains of powder and a
400-grain bullet, and the original centerfire cartridge with a
straight case and a .454-inch diameter bullet. The latter is covered
later in this chapter under the Spanish Reformado. The carbine
round had the same case configuration as the standard cartridge
and although shorter, could undoubtedly be fired in the standard
rifle chamber, but the reverse would not be true. The carbine
round is now a fairly rare collector’s cartridge, so if you have any,
please don’t shoot them. Like most of the old blackpowder military
cartridges, the 43 Spanish would make a good big game hunting
cartridge for anything from deer through elk at close range.
11.15x58Rmm (43) Spanish Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
375 Lead
Fg 78
1380
1590
Military load
387 Lead
IMR 4198 32
1360
1590
Lyman #439186
387 Lead
IMR 3031 40
1310
1470
Lyman #439186
11.15x58Rmm Austrian
Werndl M77
Historical Notes This is an improved bottlenecked cartridge
adopted by Austria in 1877 to replace the earlier straight case of
11.4mm-caliber. It was used in the Werndl rotating block single
shot rifle originally, but from 1886 to 1888 it was also used in the
Mannlicher straight-pull rifle.
General Comments Rifles for the 11.15mm Werndl car¬
tridge are scarce as is the ammunition. At one time, Winchester
and other American companies loaded this round, but it has been
used very little in the U.S. It is in the same class as the 11mm
Mauser for sporting use.
11.15x58Rmm Austrian Werndl M77 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Comments
370 Lead Fg 75 1437 1705 Military load; paper-patched bullet
370 Lead_IMR4198 32_1360 1520 Lyman #439186
302 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridge of the World
11x59Rmm French Gras
11x59mm Vickers
Historical Notes French military cartridge adopted in 1874 for the
Gras single shot rifle, a metallic cartridge, breech-loaded conversion
of the Chassepot needle gun. This was the first modem French mili¬
tary cartridge. It was replaced in 1886 by the then revolutionary
8mm Lebel. Many Remington rolling block rifles were chambered for
the 11mm Gras and these, along with the Gras rifle, were used
extensively in the Balkans and French colonial areas. Remington
loaded this cartridge at one time. The Japanese purchased and used
many of the Gras-modified rifles and the 11mm Gras cartridge.
The 11mm Vickers was used by both the British and French
during WWI in the Vickers aircraft machinegun to shoot down
German artillery observation balloons. The cartridge is also
referred to as the 11mm Vickers Balloon Gun cartridge. It uses
the same case as the 1874 French Gras rifle cartridge and was
actually developed by the French for their Hotchkiss anti-balloon
gun. The more reliable Vickers machinegun was later modified to
shoot the same cartridge. By 1917, it was found that the standard
rifle cartridge was not satisfactory for shooting down observation
balloons as a larger caliber carrying a heavier tracer/incendiaiy
pellet was needed. Thus the reason for the development of a spe¬
cial-purpose cartridge. Rather than waste time, the French sim¬
ply used what was immediately available and adopted the Gras
rifle case. Some of these cartridges are head-stamped WESTERN
2-17, indicating that they were manufactured in the U.S. by
Western Cartridge Company in February, 1917.
General Comments Neither the rifle nor cartridge have ever
been used to any degree in the U.S. It would be suitable for North
American big game hunting at short range, like most of the other
blackpowder military cartridges. It is very similar in performance
to the 11mm Mauser.
The 11mm Vickers appears to have a longer, heavier bullet
than the original Gras cartridge. It is also of the full-jacketed type
and some are brass covered. One should be careful working with
these because many have tracer/incendiary bullets.
11x59Rmm French Gras Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
365 Lead
Powder/grs.
IMR 4198 36
MV
1420
ME
1635
Comments
Lyman #446109
385 Lead
Fg 78
1493
1903
Military load
385 Lead
IMR 4198 33
1400
1675
386
FL
1493
1903
11.15x60Rmm (43) Mauser
Historical Notes This was the first of a long line of military car¬
tridges designed by Paul Mauser. The 11mm Mauser was adopt¬
ed by the German military in 1871 with the M71 bolt-action,
single shot Mauser rifle. Later this rifle was converted to a tubu¬
lar magazine repeater as the Model 71/84. This cartridge became
a popular sporting cartridge in Europe and East Africa. It is no
longer loaded in Europe. Canadian Industries Limited (Domin¬
ion Brand) once offered a smokeless powder version that was
imported into the U.S.
General Comments A popular military and sporting round
through the 1870s and ’80s, the 11mm Mauser was loaded in the
U.S. by Remington and Winchester. It enjoyed only limited popu¬
larity here because our own 45-70 military load was easier to
obtain. A modernized version using smokeless powder was pro¬
duced for H. Krieghoff of Suhl, Germany and chambered in
Mauser bolt-action rifles in the 1920s. A few were imported into
the U.S. The 11mm Mauser is still a potent short-range cartridge
for North American big game. Most military ammunition uses
the Berdan primer, usually of 6.5mm (.254-inch) size. Correct bul¬
let diameter is .446-inch.
11.15x60Rmm (43) Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
370 Lead
Fg
77
1430
1680
387 Lead
IMR 4198
32
1335
1520
387 Lead
IMR 4198
35
1510
1760
385 (CIL)
FL
1360
1580
386 Lead
FL
1425
1752
Comments
Dup. mil. ball.; paper-patched bullet
Max.
8th Edition 303
Chapter 7
11.43x55Rmm Turkish
Historical Notes Military cartridge used by Turkey from 1874
until 1887. It was replaced by the 9.5mm Mauser. This round was
used primarily in the Peabody-Martini single shot rifle, many of
which were made in the U.S. The cartridge was loaded in Eng¬
land and called the 450 Turkish Peabody-Martini and the 45
Peabody-Martini in the U.S. It was popular in the Balkans and
on occasion is still used there.
General Comments This is another cartridge that was not dis¬
tributed very extensively in the U.S.. A few of the old single shot
under-lever Peabody-Martini rifles have been sold at various
times, but 11.43mm ammo is hard to come by. A Lyman #446187
cast lead bullet weighing 465 grains can be used for reloading.
11.43x55Rmm Turkish Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
465 Lead
465 Lead
486 Lead
Powder/grs.
MV
Fg 80
1280
IMR 4198 36
1410
FL
1263
ME Comments
1690 Approx, mil. load
2057 Lyman #446187
1811
11.43x50Rmm (.43)
Egyptian Remington
Historical Notes Military cartridge adopted by Egypt in 1870 for
use in the single shot Remington rolling block rifle. The Egyptian
government ordered 60,000 of these rifles between 1870 and 1876.
Remington rifles of this caliber were also used by France in 1870-71
during the Franco-Prussian war. In fact, these rifles were part of a
shipment intended for Egypt, but the Egyptians defaulted so the
French bought them. The Egyptians then accepted a later order.
Remington loaded huge quantities of ammunition in this caliber.
General Comments In appearance, the 43 Egyptian looks sim¬
ilar to the 43 Spanish Remington cartridge. Performance is
almost identical, but the two are not interchangeable. The 11mm
Egyptian also resembles and is very close to the llx52R Beau¬
mont in physical measurements. Early Remington catalogs list
the 11mm Egyptian as also suitable for the Beaumont rifle so it
can be fired in both rifles.
When the Egyptian rolling block rifles became obsolete, they
were sold off in widely-scattered places all over the world. Many
turned up on the American market. The 11mm Egyptian is ade¬
quate for most American game and is comparable in power to the
11mm Mauser.
11.43x50Rmm (43) Egyptian Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
400 Lead
Fg
75
1330
1570
465 Lead
Fg
70
1280
1680
465 Lead
IMR 4198
34
1440
2140
400 Lead
FL
1330
1570
Comments
Military load; paper-patched bullet
Lyman #446187
Lyman #446187
11.4x50Rmm Austrian Werndl M73
Historical Notes The official Austrian military cartridge from
1873 to 1877, it was used in the Werndl single shot rifle that fea¬
tured a breechblock that rotated after the hammer was cocked.
The block was turned via a protruding thumb-piece so as to
expose the loading groove cut on the bottom. Both the rifle and
cartridge are relatively rare in the U.S.
General Comments From time to time, a few Model 73 Werndl
rifles are sold as collector’s items. The cartridge is a scarce collec¬
tor’s item in the U.S. In power, it is on a par with similar black-
powder cartridges.
11.4x50Rmm Austrian Werndl M73 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
340 Lead Fg 62
465 Lead IMR4198 29
MV ME Comments
12 70 1225 Military load
1300 _1745 Lyman #446187
304 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridge of the World
11.4x50Rmm Brazilian
Comblain M74
Historical Notes Military cartridge adopted by Brazil in 1874
and used in the Belgian-made Comblain single shot rifle, a falling
breechblock type similar to the Peabody. At one time, this car¬
tridge was loaded by Winchester and others in the United States.
Presently, cartridge and rifle are rare.
General Comments The Brazilian Comblain cartridge is
quite similar in appearance to the Belgian cartridge of the
same name. However, the two are not interchangeable. It has
seen very little use in the U.S. In performance it is about the
same as the 45-70.
11.4x50Rmm Brazilian Comblain M74 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
485 Lead
IMR 4198 27
1280
1770
Lyman #451112
486 Lead
Fg 72
1310
1858
Military load
486 Lead
FL
1310
1858
11.5x57Rmm Spanish
Reformado
Historical Notes This was the original centerfire, Berdan-
primed Spanish military cartridge. It was adopted about 1867
and used in early rolling block rifles manufactured by Remington
for the Spanish government. It was also used in some Berdan and
Snider conversions of the Spanish muzzleloader. Over a million
rounds of this ammunition and many rolling block rifles were
captured by American troops in Cuba during the Spanish-Amer-
ican war. It was replaced by the 11.15mm Spanish Remington
cartridge in 1871.
General Comments Although this cartridge is listed as .43-
inch-caliber, the bullet has a base band that is actually .454-inch
in diameter. The bullet is brass covered and has a 10-degree
beveled base.
In the tropical climate of Cuba, the brass-covered bullets often
turned green with verdigris and were thought to be “poisoned”
bullets by American troops. In terms of bacterial count and infec¬
tious wounds, they probably were for all practical purposes. Rim
and base diameter and case length are almost identical to the
11.15mm Spanish Remington and cases could be made by
expanding and trimming 11.15mm brass.
11.5x57Rmm (43) Spanish Reformado Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
250 Lead
IMR 4198 32
1220
833
Lyman #454485
395 mil. Ball
Fg 74
1280
1438
Military load
395
FL
1280
1438
8th Edition 305
Chapter 7
577/450 Martini-Henry
Historical Notes Military cartridge adopted by Great Britain
in 1871 for use in the famous Martini-Hemy falling block single
shot rifle. Originally a rolled-type cartridge case, it was later
changed to a drawn case. To some extent it still is a popular sport¬
ing cartridge in England, Africa and other parts of the British
Commonwealth. It was loaded in England with both black and
smokeless powders with nearly identical ballistics.
The 577/450 cartridge entered history with B Company, 24th
Regiment of the British army on January 22-23, 1879. On that
day, Lt. John Chard and Lt. Gonville Bromhead, with some 140
men, defended Rork’s Drift in Natal, South Africa, from over 4000
Zulu warriors. When the battle was over, more than 20,000
rounds of 577/450 ammunition had been fired by the defenders.
General Comments Many Martini-Henry rifles were imported
into the U.S., which has created a mild interest in this cartridge.
With its large diameter and heavy, lead bullet it is a good killer
on most game at close range. It has been used in Africa and India
on all kinds of animals, including the dangerous varieties. It
would be adequate for anything in North America out to 100-150
yards or so.
577/450 Martini-Henry Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
400 Lead
IMR 4198 38
1450
1920
Lyman #457124
500 Lead
Fg 80
1320
1939
Lyman #457125
325 Lead (Kynoch)
FL
1600
1850
370 Lead (Kynoch)
FL
1450
1730
480 Lead mil.
FL
1350
1939
11.3x50Rmm Beaumont M71
Historical Notes This was the original Dutch Beaumont car¬
tridge adopted in 1871 for use in the Beaumont single shot rifle, a
tumbolt-type similar to the French Gras. A few years after it was
adopted, the rifle was altered to a box magazine repeater. In
1878, the Beaumont cartridge was redesigned slightly to use a
shorter case and a bullet of .457-inch diameter.
General Comments Among cartridge collectors there is consid¬
erable argument regarding the Dutch Beaumont cartridge. Some
claim it is identical to the 11mm Egyptian Remington; others say
it is not. The difficulty is caused partly by the fact that both ver¬
sions of the Beaumont cartridge are similar to the Egyptian Rem¬
ington. The cartridge listed here is the original version. The
slightly modified cartridge is the llx52R M71/78, which has a
longer case and a heavier bullet of .457-inch diameter. Old Rem¬
ington catalogs list the 43 Egyptian as “adapted to Remington,
Egyptian model military and Beaumont rifles.” Undoubtedly, the
11mm Egyptian can be fired in Beaumont rifles. However, these
three cartridges are not identical in physical measurements.
11.3x50Rmm Beaumont M71 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
336 Lead
Fg 58
1378
1420
Military load
360 Lead
Fg 55
1300
1358
Lyman #509134
360 Lead
IMR 4198 35
1420
1620
Lyman #509134 max.
306 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridge of the World
11.63x33mm Belted
(458x1 V 2 -inch Barnes)
Historical Notes To paraphrase the late Robert Ripley, believe
it or not, the 458x1V 2 -inch Barnes cartridge was actually used as
an experimental military cartridge by U.S. Armed Forces during
the Vietnamese war. The cartridge was developed by this author
in mid-1962 as part of the work on the 458x2-inch cartridge,
which involved cutting the 458 Winchester Mapium case back to
various lengths. All of this was duly reported in the June, 1963,
issue of Guns & Ammo magazine, pgs. 38 to 41 and 66. Someone
in the military establishment read the article and decided that
the short 45-caliber cartridge just might have a certain special¬
ized military application.
It appears there was a problem using the 5.56mm cartridge
and the M-16 rifle in jungle ambush situations. The light, high-
velocity bullet didn’t always arrive on target when fired through
a lot of intervening jungle growth. It was concluded that because
the range of such shooting was fairly short, a proper loading of
the 458x1V 2 -inch might solve these problems. The military short¬
ened Barnes original lV 2 -inch version to 1.312 inches.
After a short testing period, a load was developed using a 500-
grain full metal jacket bullet at a muzzle velocity of about 1100
fps, which is below the sea level speed of sound, about 1150 fps.
The load was accurate and worked well with a silencer. At least
five, possibly more, bolt-action, heavy-barrel, silencer-equipped,
scope-sighted, match-type rifles were made up and sent to Viet¬
nam for experimental use. This was probably one of the best-kept
secrets of the war as very few people know about it, even today.
The experiment was not an unqualified success mostly because
the troops didn’t like the heavy, cumbersome rifles. A lighter, 20-
or 22-inch barrel carbine might have been accepted easier in that
particular combat environment.
In any event, the 458x1V 2 -inch cartridge must be listed as an
unofficial experimental military cartridge. After all, it actually
did achieve combat status, which is more than can be said for
some other experimental cartridges such as the 276 Pedersen, on
which the military lavished considerable time, effort and money
on and then abandoned. The last of the 458x1V 2 -inch military
ammunition with its full-jacketed, round-nose, 500-grain bullet
was destroyed in Herlong, California in about 1984 or 1985. This
is destined to become one of the rarer collector’s cartridges
because very few got into general circulation. It just goes to show
that when you start something, you never know exactly where or
how it is going to end up.
11.63x33mm Belted Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Comments
500 FMC FL 1050-1100 1000 Velocity estimated.
11.7x51Rmm Danish Remington
Historical Notes Official military cartridge adopted by Den¬
mark in 1896, it was used in the Remington rolling block single
shot rifle. This cartridge and guns chambered for it were avail¬
able as early as 1878. Some were made by Remington and some
were manufactured by the Danes. Remington also loaded this
cartridge for a number of years.
General Comments The 11.7mm, or 45 Danish Remington,
has seen considerable use as a target and hunting caliber in the
Scandinavian countries. It is less known in the United States,
only because of the few Danish rolling block rifles that have trick¬
led in. It is similar to the 45-70, but the case is a little (.09-inch)
shorter. Performance is practically identical. Any load used in the
45-70 will give almost the same results in the 11.7mm. However,
such loads should be reduced by at least 1-grain to compensate
for the slightly smaller case of the Danish cartridge. It would be
adequate for any North American game at short range.
11.7x51 Rmm Danish Remington Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
300 Lead
IMR 4198
34
1480
1462
Lyman #457191
380 Lead
Fg
50
1350
1540
Rem. fact, load
405 Lead
IMR 4198
29
1340
1960
Lyman #457124
387 Lead
FL
1345
1564
8th Edition 307
i
Chapter 7
11x52Rmm Netherlands
Beaumont M71/78
Historical Notes The cartridge listed here is the modified ver¬
sion of the Dutch Beaumont military round introduced in 1878.
It was used in the tumbolt single shot Beaumont rifle, which is
very similar to the French Gras. In 1888, the Beaumont single
shot was altered to a box magazine repeater based on the Ital¬
ian Vitali system. This employed a vertical single column of car¬
tridges, inserted in the bottom of the action. It is similar to the
Lee magazine. For additional information, see the 11.3x50R
Beaumont.
General Comments This modification of the original Beau¬
mont cartridge has caused considerable confusion in collecting
circles. The longer llx52R will chamber in any rifle made for the
original 11.3x50R cartridge, but the reverse is not true because of
the larger diameter of the original case and bullet. The 11mm
Egyptian Remington cartridge will chamber in Beaumont rifles
and early catalogs list it as being for these. However, the 11.3mm
and 11mm Beaumont are not identical to the 11mm Egyptian.
The three are very similar and largely interchangeable, but differ
in actual physical measurements. The cartridge listed here is the
most common and usually found in collections. Beaumont rifles
and cartridges are not widely used in the United States and only
a few rifles were sold from time to time in surplus stores.
11x52Rmm Netherlands Beaumont M71/78 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
345 Lead
Fg 60
1476
1673
Military load
400 Lead
Fg 55
1360
1645
Lyman #457124
400 Lead
IMR 4198 31
1430
1820
Lyman #457124 max.
50 Browning
12.7x99mm
Ball, armor piercing, tracer, incendiary, saboted hyper-velocity
and others.
General Comments This cartridge is normally found with a
Boxer primed brass case, although steel cases will occasionally be
encountered. There are two FMJ-BT Ball bullet types, both with
mild steel cores. The M2 Ball weighs 720 grains and has a muzzle
velocity of 2810 fps; the M33 Ball weighs 668 grains with a muz¬
zle velocity of 2910 fps. Recently, several sniper rifles from
McMillan and Barrett have been chambered for this round. It has
thus moved down from exclusive use in heavy machineguns.
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
668 FMJ-BT Ball M33 FL 2910 12,565
720 FMJ-BT Ball M2 FL 2810 12,630
Historical Notes The German 13mm TUF anti-tank rifle of
WWI made quite an impression on the U.S. Army who began
developing a similar cartridge before the end of the war. Design
genius John M. Browning undertook the project, completing his
new heavy machinegun and cartridge work in 1921. Both gun
and cartridge were adopted by the U.S. Army in 1923. It has
remained standard ever since. The cartridge has been adopted
and made by at least thirty countries, including the U.S., Britain,
Canada, France, Belgium, Israel, Netherlands, Japan, Singapore
and Taiwan. Many bullet types will be encountered, including
50 Browning Factory Ballistics
Barrett Model 82A1
308 Cartridges of the World
Military Rifle Cartridge of the World
50-70 Govt.
Historical Notes The 50-70 was the United States military rifle
cartridge from 1866 to 1873. It was the first centerfire cartridge in
general use by the U.S. military. The design was derived from the
50-60-400 Joslyn rimfire. It was used in various models and mod¬
ifications of the single shot Springfield rifle until replaced by the
45-70 in 1873. It was also chambered in the Remington single shot
military rifle and in a wide variety of sporting rifles, both single
shot and repeating. The original cartridge had the inside, Benet-
type primer. It has been obsolete since the turn of the century.
General Comments The 50-70, or 50 Government, was a pop¬
ular cartridge through the 1870s and ’80s. It was said to be very
effective on buffalo and other heavy game. It was the popularity
of this cartridge that induced Winchester to bring out the 50-110,
which was, in effect, an improved and more powerful version of
the 50-70. Very few rifles of this caliber remain in use and ammu¬
nition is almost non-existent. However, it would be adequate for
any North American big game at short range. Cases with the lat¬
er Boxer-type priming can be reloaded. Most 50-70 rifles were
intended for blackpowder; only very light charges of smokeless
powder can be considered safe. In 1934, Francis Bannerman &
Sons of New York City advertised both 50-70 Springfield rifles
and the ammunition. Rifles were still available as late as 1940.
No sporting rifles have chambered this round since the early
1900s. There was also a carbine version with a shorter case (1.35-
inches instead of 1.94-inches). Shortened 348 Winchester cases
should work in most rifles.
577 Snider (14.7mm)
Historical Notes British military cartridge adopted in 1867 for
use in the Snider breech-loading conversion of the Enfield Musket.
The Snider system was invented by Joseph Snider, an American,
who first offered it to his home country, but was turned down. The
converted rifle was usually referred to as the “Snider Enfield.” The
original cartridge had a cardboard body and a metal base. Later,
this was improved by using a coiled brass case, designed by Col.
Boxer, the man who invented the Boxer-type primer. Modem 577
ammunition has a drawn brass case. Some Martini-Henry single
shot rifles were also chambered in this caliber. This cartridge was
replaced in British military service by the 577/450 in 1871.
General Comments A large number of Snider Enfield rifles
were sold in the United States by Francis Bannerman & Sons of
New York City. Small numbers were also imported during the
1950s by various surplus military arms dealers. The 577 car¬
tridge was loaded in England with either a solid lead bullet or a
lead base copper-tubed type. The case appears to be straight at
first glance, but it has a slight taper and shoulder similar to some
American blackpowder cartridges of the same period. The dimen¬
sions of the 577 case are very similar to those of the 24-gauge
shotgun shell. Brass 24-gauge shells can be used to make ammu¬
nition for 577 Snider rifles by trimming about 1 / 2 -inch off the
length. Neither the Snider rifle nor the 577 cartridge are very
practical for American hunting, but they are a lot of fun to shoot.
The big bullet has ample power for hunting, but the curved tra¬
jectory makes it a short-range proposition.
577 Snider Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Comments
350 Lead
Fg
73
1310
1338
350 Lead
IMR 4198
31
1380
1482
450 Lead
Fg
73
1270
1620
450 Lead
IMR 4198
30
1300
1690
476 Lead
IMR 4198
30
1250
1655
Lyman #575213
480 Lead
Fg
70-73
1250
1666
Military load
8th Edition 309
UNCATEGORIZED OBSOLETE POWDERS
Ballistite-M A double-base, fast-burning powder for reduced trap
loads. Economical because of small charge required.
A1 -101 Single-base, fairly fast-burning powder for trap, skeet or light
hunting loads. Easily ignited and clean burning.
Nike Single-base, crimson colored, flake powder of medium-fast burn¬
ing rate. Recommended for Berdan type brass shotshells and for loading
rifled slugs.
P-5066 Single-base, fast-burning powder for pistols and revolvers. For
light to medium loads. Replaces Pistl #5. Also an excellent powder for
reloading a wide variety of shotshell ammunition.
Hi-Skor A single-base, fast-burning shotgun powder for trap or light
hunting loads. Sometimes used for light pistol loads and gives about the
same results as Bullseye.
6Bulk Single-base. Only bulk powder available. Use only in guns with
modern steel barrels. Produces approximately twice the chamber
pressure of black powder. Although some people use Bulk powder in
rifles and handguns I most emphatically do not recommend it.
Hi-Vel 2 Double-base, medium-burning rifle powder. This is one of the
most flexible and versatile rifle powders available. It can be used for full
charges in small, medium and magnum cases.
HS-10 A fast-burning pistol and shotgun powder.
H-375, Spherical Ball-type powder that burns slower than BL-C and
works well in cases up to .30-06.
5BL-C1 Double-base ball type powder that gives best performance in
the .222 Rem., but can also be used in larger cases.
H-870, Spherical Same burning characteristics as H-570 in a ball
powder.
H-5010 A single-base powder, very coarse grained and slow burning.
The slowest-burning powder adaptable to sporting use. Works best in
large capacity cases with heavy bullets.
Norma Powders designated P-1, P-2, P-3, 10-10, 10-20, 20-10, 20-20,
203 and 205 are no longer available. However it may still be possible to
find some of those powders (primarily 203 and 205) on dealer’s shelves.
RelodeR 11 A good general purpose double-base rifle powder suited to
cases as larger as the 30-06 with medium-weight bullets.
RelodeR 21 Slowest burning double-base RelodeR rifle powder; works
well in medium-to-large capacity cases and with heavier bullets.
Herters 100 Slowest burning, single-base rifle powder of the series,
best sited to heavy bullets in large capacity cases like the magnums.
Herters 101 A medium-slow single-base rifle powder closely ap¬
proximating the burning speed of IMR 4320 (loading data may be used).
Herters 102 A medium-fast burning single-base rifle powder with
characteristics similar to those of IMR 3031, for use in cartridges of the
30-30 size class.
Herters 103 Fastest of the Herter rifle powders, this single-base
number bums just a bit faster than IMR 4198 and is best in the small
rifle cases.
Herters 160 The fastest burning, double-base shotshell powder in this
line, it is easily ignited and suited to target and light field loads.
Herter 162 Somewhat slower than 160, this double-base powder is
useful in most shotshell field loads for all gauges except 410.
Herters 164 Slowest double-base shotshell powder from Herter’s. It is
best used for heavy field loads and magnums.
AL-120 Single-base, fairly fast-burning powder with characteristics
very similar to Du Pont PB. A versatile powder for light to heavy
shotshell loads. Recommended for Alcan metal shells.
TOPMARK A spherical shotshell powder intended for trap and skeet
loads.
Gray B A spherical shotshell powder well suited to trap and light field
loads in plastic shells.
TRAP-14 Gives excellent patterns in trap loads and can be used for
medium field loads.
HS-5 A spherical shotshell powder for use in heavy field loads.
H-570 Single-base, very slow-burning powder, slower than 4831. Gives
excellent results in all over-bore capacity cases and magnum calibes.
630-P A double-base powder, slower burning than 230-P, for centerfire
pistol, revolver and some rifle loads.
AA12S A double-base powder for 12-gauge target and standard ve¬
locity shotshell loadings.
AA20S A doble-base powder for 20-gauge AA shotshells in target and
standard velocity loadings.
450-LS A double-base shotgun powder for reduced loads.
500-HS Double-base shotgun powder for high velocity loads.
OBSOLETE MILITARY RIFLES THROUGH WW-II
/
o °
.#
/
*°
/
G *
£
< 0 *
jsj?
Argentina
Mauser
1891, 1909
B.A. 1
7.65mm
.301/
.311/
4
9.8R
29, 29
9V4, 8Vi
5
Austria
Mannlicher
1886, 1895
S.P.B. 2
8mmR
/.315
/.331
4
9.8R
30
8Vi
5
Belgium
Mauser
1889. 1924
B.A. 1
7.65mm
.301/
.314/
4
9.8R
30V2, 23
8Vi, 8
5
Brazil
Mauser
1904
B.A. 1
7mm
.276
.287
4
8.65R
29
8
5
Chile
Mauser
1904
B.A. 1
7mm
.276
.287
4
8.65R
29
8
5
China
Mauser
1888, 1924
B.A. 1
8mm
.309/.311
.320/.324
4
9.4
29, 23
8Vi
4, 5
Colombia
Mauser
1891, 1904
B.A. 1
7.65mm, 7mm
—
—
—
—
30
8Vi
5
Czechoslovakia
Mauser
1898, 1924
B.A. 1
8mm
/.311
.324
4
9.5R
29. 23
9V4, 8Vi
5
Denmark
Krag-Jorgensen
1889
B.A. 1
8mmR
.315
.330
6
11.8R
33
9%
5
Equador
Mauser
1891
B.A. 1
7.65mm
.301
.314
4
9.8R
28
8Vi
5
France
Lebel
1886, 1892
B.A. 1
8mmR
.315/
.327/
4
9.45L
31. 17Vi
8 to 6%
3, 5
France
MAS-36
1936
B.A. 1
7.5mm.
.300
.307
4
L
22 Vi
8V4
5
Germany
Mauser
1898, 1935
B.A. 1
8mm
.311/
.324/
4
9.4R
29. 23
9V4 to 8Vi
5
Great Britain
Lee-Enfield
1895
B.A. 1
303
.303
.314
5
10L
30-20.7
10 to 6Vi
10
Great Britain
Enfield Pat. 14
1914
B.A. 1
303
.303
.313
5
10L
26
91/4
5
Greece
Mannlicher
1903, 1914
B.A. 1
6.5mm
.256/
.269/
4
7.84R
28, 20
8V4
5
Netherlands
Mannlicher
1895
B.A. 1
6.5mmR
.256
.269
4
7.9R
31. 17V2
9
5
Hungary
Mannlicher
1935
B.A. 1
8mmR
.315
—
4
9.84R
30. 24
8. 9
5
Italy
Carcano
1891, 1938
B.A. 1
6.5, 7.35mm.
.256/
.268/
4
Gain R
30. 21 Vi 5
9 to 7
6
Japan
Arisaka
1905, 1939
B.A. 1
6.5, 7.7mm
.256/
.268/
4
7.88R
30. 5%
8V2 to 7%
5
Mexico
Mauser
1902
B.A. 1
7mm, 30-06
.276
.287
4
8.6R
29, 24
9, 8Vi
5
Norway
Krag
1894
B.A. 1
6.5mm
.256
.269
4
7.87L
30. 20
9 to 7Vi
5
Poland
Mauser
1898, 1924
B.A. 1
8mm
.311
.324
4
9.5R
29. 23V2
9. 8V2
5
Portugal
Mauser
1904
B.A. 1
6.5mm
.256
.2675
4
7.8R
29
8%
5
Romania
Mannlicher
1893
B.A. 1
6.5mmR
.256
.269
4
7.9R
25 Vi
8%
5
Russia
Mosin-Nagant
1891, 1930 4
B.A. 1
7.62mmR
.300/
.314/
4
9.5R
31, 20
9 Vi to 7
5
Spain
Mauser
1893, 1896
B.A. 1
7mm
.276
1.267
4
8.7R
29. 19
9V4, 8
5
Sweden
Mauser
1894, 1896 4
B.A. 1
6.5mm
1.256
.269
4
7.8R
29, 17.7
9, 7Vi
5
Switzerland
Schmidt-Rubin
1889, 1909 4
S.P.B. 2
7.5mm
1. 295
/.304
4
10.5R
31. 23
10 to 7Vi
12, 6
Turkey
Mauser
1890, 1905
B.A. 1
7.65mm
.301/
.311/
4
10R
29
9. 8%
5
United States
Krag
1892
B.A. 1
30-40
.300
.308/314
4
10R
30. 22
9V4, 5
5
United States
Springfield
1903
B.A. 1
30-06
.300
.308
4
10R
24
8%
5
United States
Garand
1936
S.A. 3
30-06
.300
.308
4
10R
24
9 Vi
8
United States
Ml Carbine
1941
S.A. 3
30
.300
.308
4
16R
18
5 Vi
15. 30
Yugoslavia
Mauser
1898, 1924
B.A. 1
8mm
/.311
.324
4
9.4R
23
8
5
’Bolt action
Straight pull bolt action
3 Semi-auto
4 And other models
5 And other lengths
‘Data under these headings taken mostly from the
"Textbook of Small Arms 1909" (HMSO. London, 1909).
NOTE: Only basic pattern or principal model is listed.
Most countries used many modifications or models.
Military Rifle Cartridge of the World
MILITARY RIFLE CARTRIDGES OF THE WORLD
Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless
Dimensional Data
Cartridge
Case
type
Bullet
dia.
Neck
dia.
Shoulder
dia.
Base
dia.
Rim
dia.
Case
length
Ctge.
length
Twist
Primer
4.85 British
c
.197
.220
.353
.375
.376
1.925
2.455
B
5.7x28mm FN
c
.220
.249
.309
.310
.310
1.13
1.71
B
5.45mm Soviet
c
.221
.246
.387
.395
.394
1.56
2.22
_
B
5.56mm NATO
c
.224
.249
.349
.373
.375
1.76
2.26
9
Bx
6mm SAW
c
.243
.273
.382
.410
.410
1.779
2.58
Rv
6mm Lee Navy
c
.244
.278
.402
.445
.448
2.35
3.11
71/2
Bx
6.5mm Arisaka
G
.263
.293
.425
.455
.471
2.00
2.98
7.9
B
6.5mm M-S
C
.263
.287
.424
.447
.450
2.09
3.02
7.8
B
6.5 Daudeteau
G
.263
.298
.466
.480
.524
2.09
3.02
B
6.5 Dutch & Romanian
A
.263
.297
.423
.450
.526
2.10
3.03
9.8
B
6.5mm Swedish
C
.264
.294
.420
.480
.480
2.16
3.15
7.9
B
6.5mm Portuguese
C
.264
.293
.426
.468
.465
2.28
3.22
7.8
B
6.5mm Carcano
C
.265
.295
.430
.445
.448
2.05
3.02
19.3-8.3*
B
280 British
C
.283
.313
.448
.470
.473
1.71
2.54
?
B
7x57mm
C
.284
.320
.420
.470
.474
2.23
3.06
9
B
276 Enfield
C
.284
.321
.460
.528
.521
2.35
3.25
9
B
276 Pederson
C
.285
.314
.389
.449
.451
2.02
2.85
?
Bx
7.35mm Carcano
C
.298
.323
.420
.445
.449
2.01
2.98
10
B
30 Carbine
D
.308
.335
—
.355
.360
1.29
1.65
16
Bx
7.5mm French MAS
C
.308
.340
.441
.480
.482
2.11
2.99
10
B
30 Army (30-40 Krag)
A
.308
.338
.415 (.419)
.457 (.4577)
.540
2.31
3.10 (3.089)
10
Bx
7.62x51 NATO (308 Win.)
C
.308
.338
.447
.466
.470
2.01
2.75
12
Bx
7.5mm Schmidt-Rubin
C
.308
.334
.452
.494
.496
2.18
3.05
10.5
B
7.62x63mm U.S. (30-06)
C
.308
.340
.441
.470
.473
2.49
3.34
10
Bx
7.62x45mm Czech M52
C
.309
.334
.412
.441
.440
1.77
2.36
B
7.62mm (M-43) Russian
C
.310
.340
.394
.443
.445
1.52
2.20
9.4
B
7.62mm Nagant
A
.310
.332
.453
.484
.564
2.11
3.02
9.5
B
303 British
A
.311
.337
.402
.458
.530
2.21
3.05
10
B
7.7mm Arisaka
C
.311
.338
.431
.472
.474
2.28
3.13
9.8
B
7.65x53mm Mauser
C
.313
.338
.429
.468
.470
2.09
2.95
10
B
8x50R Siamese
A
.321
.347
.450
.480
.550
1.98
2.97
B
8x52R Siamese
A
.321
.347
.460
.500
.550
2.04
2.96
_
B, Bx
8mm Danish Krag
A
.322
.355
.460
.500
.575
2.28
3.20
12
B
7.92mm Kurz
C
.323
.352
.440
.470
.470
1.30
1.88
10
B
8mm Austrian
A
.323
.351
.462
.501
.553
1.98
3.00
9.8
B
8mm Lebel
A
.323
.347
.483
.536
.621
1.98
2.75
9.5
B
7.9x57mm JS (8mm Mauser JS) C
.323
.353
.443
.469
.473
2.24
3.17
9-10
B
8x63 Swedish
C
.323
.356
.456
.488
.479
2.48
3.36
?
B
8mm Guedes M/85
A
.326
.354
.490
.543
.620
2.34
3.25
11
B
8x59 Breda
C
.326
.357
.433
.491
.469
2.33
3.17
?
B
8mm Murata
A
.329
.361
.485
.492
.558
2.06
2.90
B
8mm Hungarian M-89
A
.329
.365
.473
.491
.554
2.20
3.02
10
B
338 Lapua Mag
C
.338
.370
.540
.590
.590
2.72
3.60
Bx
9.5mm Turkish Mauser
A
.389
.411
.487
.511
.612
2.37
2.97
20
B
10.15mm Jarmann
A
.403
.430
.540
.548
.615
2.40
3.06
22
B
10.15mm Serbian Mauser
A
.411
.433
.515
.520
.592
2.46
3.13
22
B
10.4mm Swiss Vetterli
A
.415
.437
.518
.540
.630
1.60
2.20
26
B-RF
10.4mm Italian M/70
A
.430
.437
.517
.540
.634
1.87
2.46
26
B
10.75mm Russian Berdan
A
.430
.449
.506
.567
.637
2.24
2.95
21
B
11mm Murata
A
.432
.465
.526
.542
.632
2.36
3.13
20
B
11mm Belgian Albini
A
.435
.472
.535
.580
.678
2.00
2.6
22
B
11mm Belgian Comblain
A
.436
.460
.532
.575
.673
2.10
2.76
22
B
11.15mm Spanish Rem.
A
.439
.458
.512
.516
.635
2.25
2.82
20
B
11.15mm Werndl M/77
11mm French Gras,
A
.441
.466
.536
.545
.617
2.27
3.02
28
B
11 x59R Vickers
A
.445
.468
.531
.544
.667
2.34
3.00
22
B
11.15mm (43) Mauser
A
.446
.465
.510
.516
.586
2.37
3.00
22
B
11.43mm Turkish
A
.447
.474
.560
.582
.668
2.30
3.12
22
B
11.43mm Egyptian
A
.448
.479
.542
.581
.668
1.94
2.73
20
B
11.4mm Werndl M/73
B
.449
.472
—
.493
.571
1.97
2.55
29
B
11.4mm Brazilian Comblain
A
.452
.494
.530
.588
.682
2.02
2.62
22
B
11.5mm Spanish Reformado
B
.454
.466
—
.525
.631
2.26
3.06
20
B
577/450 Martini Henry
A
.455
.487
.628
.668
.746
2.34
3.12
33
B
11 mm Beaumont M/71
A
.457
.484
.528
.576
.665
2.04
2.54
30
B
458x1 V 2 " Barnes
F
.458
.493
—
.509
.530
1.50
2.19
16
Bx
11.7mm Danish Remington
B
.462
.486
—
.514
.579
2.01
2.45
291/2
B
11.3mm Beaumont M/71/78
A
.464
.486
.530
.581
.666
1.97
2.49
29
B
.50 Browning
C
.510 (.511)
.555 (.560)
.708 (.714)
.800 (.804)
.800 (.804)
3.90(3.91)
5.43 (5.545)
16
Bx
50-70 Gov’t.
B
.515
.535
.565
.660
1.75
2.25
24-42
Bx
577 Snider (14.7mm)
B
.570
.602
—
.660
.747
2.00
2.45
78
B
Dimensions shown in some instances do not exactly coincide with dimensions found in The Book of Rifles (W.H.B. Smith, Harrisburg, Pa., 1960). The difference
amounts to only a few thousandths of an inch, doubtless attributable to specimen variations. Parentheses indicate maximum cartridge specifications.
A—Rim, bottleneck B—Rim, straight C—Rimless, bottleneck F—Belted, straight G—Semi-rim, bottleneck Primer: Bx—Boxer B—Berdan RF—Rimfire
‘Gain twist. Unless otherwise noted, all dimensions are in inches.
8th Edition 311
Chapter 8
BRITISH SPORTING RIFLE
CARTRIDGES
(Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless)
OVER THE PAST four or five decades there has
appeared a tremendous volume of writing about British
cartridges. Much of the writing that has appeared concerns
the very biggest and most fascinating of them, the ele¬
phant cartridges. However, a lot of this writing has been,
at best, misinformed. Some of it appeared on these pages.
Part of the reason for the lack of knowledge in years
past about the big British cartridges was the great cost
and relative scarcity of the rifles for them. Without the
gun in hand it is difficult to discover the truth about them,
much less generate the interest in digging for the truth. If
one can't shoot one’s 577 BPE, for example, not much can
be learned about its performance. Few writers ever had
the chance to examine, much less shoot, a big British rifle
and therefore much of their reportage was second-hand.
In recent years, the resurrection of the manufacture of
brass and bullets for the great rifles of old Africa has
helped bridge the knowledge gap and helped generate
enthusiasm. There has never been a lack of firearms to
study, stored by collectors who couldn’t shoot them. With
brass, bullets, even loaded ammo again available, it is
again feasible to take these rifles out and fire them, and
we have all learned a lot from those who have done so.
A very few writers and gun collectors have come along
over the years who had the intense interest in the old
British rifles and cartridges to actually make them shoot.
This required, in times past, a knowledge of what could be
expected of the gun, so that one didn’t blow up a good deer
rifle trying to make it into an elephant stopper. One had to
know how to get bullets of the right weight and composi¬
tion, and how to modify or manufacture brass to fit, and
know something of the loading techniques involved as
well. Without someone to first make a given gun shoot to
prove that it could be done, there would not be enough
interest in shooting it to justify the commercial manufac¬
ture of appropriate components.
This writer, and perhaps every lover of English rifles,
owes a large debt of gratitude to Mr. Ross Seyfried, who
did much of the early testing and research on his own
rifles, proving that they could be made to shoot just like
they did when new. Mr. Seyfried was not alone in those
endeavors, but he is unique in that he had the drive, luck,
persistence and patience to get his results published.
Mr. Seyfried and this writer experimented together
twenty years ago with paper patching bullets for cordite-
cartridge double rifles. (Our results were published in The
American Rifleman.) There was no other way to get bul¬
lets of the correct size, though it was possible to obtain a
few types of brass and Berdan primers with difficulty. We
both know how pleasant it is today to be able to buy top-
quality Boxer-primed brass or bullets of the correct size
and weight for what were, a few years ago, totally obscure
British firearms. Such component production and avail¬
ability were beyond our fondest dreams two decades ago.
Today’s availability of brass and components wouldn’t
exist but for the work of early experimenters who helped
reestablish a demand for British brass and bullets.
This writer has had a very long-term interest in British
cartridges and the rifles that shoot them, and had been
fortunate enough to have acquired a few British double
rifles, which I shoot as often as possible. That interest and
involvement has led me to make the revisions to this
chapter. While I make no claim to knowing everything
about British cartridges, I have attempted here to correct
the most grievous errors.
A short time ago there were exactly no metallic car¬
tridges being loaded in England. Existing supplies of
loaded cartridges were eventually exhausted, and ulti¬
mately the metallic cartridge portion of the English ammu¬
nition industry ceased to exist. Those who wanted to shoot
their English rifles were forced to become reloaders.
There were a few exceptions. Federal Cartridge Co.
came out with their 470 Nitro and 416 Rigby rounds, and
before that, Jim Bell offered loaded ammunition for some
of the more common British numbers. However, for the
most part it was impossible to buy loaded ammunition.
Today, the grand old name of Kynoch is again seen on
new cartridges being loaded in England. The company of
Kynamco has begun development and loading of ammuni¬
tion to match—perfectly regulate—double rifles made in
the golden era of British rifle manufacture, specifically
those rifles made between WWI and WWII. This is indeed
a happy state of affairs.
In previous editions, it was mentioned that many, if not
most, of the British cartridges were obsolete. This writer
recently received a nice letter from Mr. Ronald Sichel, one
of the directors of John Rigby & Co. He kindly informed
me that their 275 Rigby (essentially their rather lively
loading of the old 7x57) is alive and well and always has
been, no matter that we had declared otherwise. He men¬
tioned that Rigby & Co. also offer rifles in a variety of cal¬
ibers including their new 450 Rigby, and still make double
rifles for the 470 as well as for the 577 and 600 Nitros. We
had stated that only Holland & Holland built English-
312 Cartridges of the World
made double 470s, but of course several other companies
still do, as well.
Many of the big double rifle cartridges from the 400 Jef¬
fery on up have been mistakenly compared for decades with
the 458 Winchester Magnum. However, the big English dou¬
ble rifle cartridges worked at relatively low chamber pres¬
sure, so the rifles would work perfectly under the blazing hot
sun of Africa when one was faced with an unhappy elephant.
The 458 was always (until very recently) loaded with a bul¬
let that was too heavy for its small case, and its attendant
high pressure gave many to curse it in that hot sun in front
of that angry elephant. In some cases, those hunters are no
longer with us; perhaps they would be if they had used a
cartridge designed for just those conditions.
Early British blackpowder cartridges were loaded with
lead bullets that were either grooved and lubricated, or
without grooves and paper patched. Paper patching is
simply wrapping the bullet with two layers of paper moist¬
ened for the application, then allowed to dry and then
lubed with a waxy substance and loaded into the case.
This provided a non-leading bullet of soft lead that was
one of the most deadly projectiles ever devised. They were
extremely accurate, expanded easily, and didn’t break up,
and as a result they performed very well.
The British went hunting in Africa at a time when no
suitable rifles or cartridges existed anywhere in the world.
Their desperate need for proper dangerous game rifles
and cartridges was unique, because they were just about
the only ones hunting in Africa. Incidentally, their devel¬
opment of the double rifle as the best of the best for hunt¬
ing dangerous game came out of that need.
The first elephant rifles were muzzleloaders, and the
first cartridge elephant guns also used blackpowder and
lead bullets. These cartridges were so big as to be nearly
unbelievable by today’s standards. These were the gauge-
rifles, ponderous 4-, 6-, or 8-bore weapons that weighed up
to 25 pounds. A 4-bore rifle, nominally four balls to the
pound, has a bore diameter of about one inch. Some of
them were smoothbores, a holdover from the muzzle-
loader days, but most were rifled.
These big lead bullets weren’t all that effective against
elephant, as is so well recorded by early African hunter
Frederick Courtenay Selous in his writings. To improve
their performance, they were often hollowed and filled
with explosive compounds, actually shells. They still didn’t
work all that well, as many a severely flattened hunter
could attest.
Gauge-rifles for dangerous game were usually 10-bores
and larger. The 12-bore was considered a bit small to be
safely taken against the biggest game. The 450s and 500s
and even the 577 BPEs (blackpowder expresses) of the lat¬
ter days of the 19th century were essentially deer and
medium-game rifles, not the elephant stompers they
became when loaded with cordite.
Along the way came the Paradoxes (a name copyright¬
ed by Holland & Holland) and their ilk, which were light
smoothbores (usually 8- 10-, or 12-bores) with a bit of
rifling in what would be termed the choke area of their
bores. These fired shotshells quite well, and also gave
enought spin to round balls or bullets to give adequate
accuracy and performance on medium to large game at
reasonable ranges.
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
The coming of smokeless or nitro powder (cordite in
England) brought bullet designers many headaches as
they attempted to design bullets to work at the higher
velocities provided by the new propellants. Much history
has been written on the success or failure of all the differ¬
ent types of jacketed bullets that have been, and are still
being, developed. Much of the research in England was
directed to answer the call from Africa for good bullets to
use against dangerous game. It was discovered that “full-
patch,” or “solid” bullets (the bullet nose fully covered or
protected with gilding metal or, with Rigby’s bullets, mild
steel) would reach the brain of an elephant or Cape buff or
rhino quite easily, and therefore adequate elephant rifles
could be built much lighter than ever before, and of small¬
er bore size.
Because there were no precedents, the British made
some big mistakes in early smokeless cartridge and rifle
production. Common among those were building rifles
either too heavy or too light for the new smokeless powder
loads, and using soft brass cartridges that worked ok with
black, but poorly with smokeless. The 450/400 x 3 V 4 " NE
was one of these blackpowder rounds given a new lease on
life through cordite. It preceded the 375 H&H Magnum as
one of the best all-around cartridges for Africa.
Unfortunately, early rifles for the 450/400 x 3 V 4 " NE
often weighed 11 pounds or more, far too much for the per¬
formance level of the cartridge. A quarter century later,
465 and 470 Nitro Expresses were commonly made lighter
than that. The early brass for the 450/400 x 3 V 4 " was not
hard enough for cordite usage. The cartridge design fea¬
tured a rather long neck. Also, the chambers of hunting
rifles were commonly pitted from neglect or fouling. The
frequent result of this combination was a case stuck in the
chamber with the brass cartridge rim broken off by the
extractor. This tied the rifle up until the problem could be
resolved. The solution eventually came in the form of bet¬
ter cartridge designs and better-quality brass cases.
The main problem in cartridge development was in deter¬
mining how small the bore could be for any given game size;
a problem that is still with us. Many hunters today believe
that the biggest gun is the best, while others try to make the
smallest work for everything. Clearly, the biggest guns will
be adequate for the smallest game, but the converse has nev¬
er been true. This, though, is the main reason behind the
myriad early British cartridges. The British were hunting
worldwide, and were among the very few hunting danger¬
ous game at a time when nothing was known about the new
cordite loads and their jacketed bullets.
Many British cartridges were decades ahead of their
time, good ideas that needed better powders and better
steels to bring them to fruition. The 275 H&H Belted Rim¬
less Magnum, for instance, came out around 1912 and is a
ringer for the 7mm Remington Magnum. Too often we are
restricted by our sense of provincialism into making com¬
parisons within our immediate sphere of knowledge, with
the result that originators are often overlooked. Westley
Richards, for instance, claims to have been the first to
draw brass into cartridges, a fact seldom mentioned in
American or German gun journals.
Rigby’s 450 Nitro Express (NE) cartridge design even¬
tually became the king of the cordite elephant slayers. It
threw a 480-grain jacketed bullet at just over 2100 fps.
8th Edition 313
Chapter 8
Every maker offered rifles in that caliber, and most of the
world’s hunters of dangerous game were happy. Then, for
political reasons, the British government prohibited the
importation into India and the Sudan of450-bore rifles, so
the British gunmakers invented variations on the 450
Nitro theme. The new elephant rifles were designated
465, 470, 476, and a few others. All of them worked just
about like the 450 Nitro had, and you paid your money
and took your choice. Each maker had his speciality.
If you wanted somewhat more power than these stan¬
dard nitro-powered elephant cartridges offered, there
were three choices: The 500 NE was just a bit more pow¬
erful than all of the 470 class, but the 577 NE and the 600
were tops. They were the ultimate life-insurance policies
for those who were involved in frequent close encounters
with elephant. The 700 Nitro did not exist during the gold¬
en age of African hunting, which ran from roughly 1900
to the early 1940s.
Today’s gun collector and knowledgeable shooter is no
stranger to many British cartridges, as perhaps he was a
quarter century ago. While it was then extremely difficult
to get brass or bullets for the British cartridges, today
there are several good sources. Bertram, of Australia,
offers good new brass that can be formed into most of the
cartridges needed to feed British firearms. Brass is also
offered by HDS, and some by A-Square and Mast. Bullets
are made by Woodleigh, another Australian company.
These are as close as you can get to original shapes and
weights, and are of outstanding quality. Bullets are also
made for some of the Brits by Barnes, Ballard, DKT,
Hawk, Star, Liberty, and a few others.
To add flavor to today’s user of British cartridges, Fed¬
eral Cartridge Co. offers loaded ammo in 416 Rigby and
470 NE. Ruger chambers his single shot No. 1 and
Express Model 77 in 416 Rigby and, recently, 404 Jeffery.
American gunsmith Butch Searcy will make you a double
rifle in 470 or in a variety of chamberings, at a reasonably
affordable price. Several Italian, French, German and
Dutch companies make pretty good double rifles in classic
English calibers. In England, Holland & Holland, Purdey,
Westley Richards, John Rigby & Co., Powell, and a few
others still make good rifles in a variety of calibers, and
Rigby even has a brand-new elephant stopper in their 450
Rimless Magnum.
Older rifles chambered for some of the more obscure car¬
tridges pop up from time to time and, because of the happy
state of affairs in today’s gun-products market, are again
permitted to sing their old songs through the loving minis¬
trations of their new owners. Brass and loading compo¬
nents are available through Huntington Die Specialties or
the Old Western Scrounger. The brass can often be
reworked into what is needed through the purchase of cus¬
tom dies from RCBS. Reloading data is published in the
Double Gun Journal from time to time. It is no great effort
to get just about any oddball British rifle shooting today.
Two books have appeared to help shooters and collec¬
tors of English cartridges, one by George Hoyem, The His¬
tory and Development of Small Arms Ammunition,
Volume Three ; the other by Bill Fleming, British Sporting
Rifle Cartridges . John “Pondoro” Taylor’s classic African
Rifles and Cartridges has been reprinted many times and
is still the best book ever written on the hunting of African
game with most of the British cartridges. Today there are
many good reference books on British rifles and car¬
tridges, and the collector/shooter has a much easier time
finding information on them than ever before.
The 458 Winchester Magnum made its debut after
WWII, when folks like John Taylor recommended some¬
thing like it that would be inexpensive, American, and
would work ok in Africa. In spite of its pressure problems,
the 458 took care of business in Africa well enough for
many years, and it is still widely used there.
Today, with makers like Ruger offering affordable rifles
for the 416 Rigby and with the advent of the 416 Reming¬
ton, there is a swing away from the 458 as more shooters
realize its limitations. There has not been too great a
swing back to the British cartridges yet except for the 416
and the 470. Those two have remained popular because of
ammo availability and because they are two of the very
best big game cartridges ever loaded anywhere, fully capa¬
ble of keeping the spirit of British cartridges going for
another century or so. We may see some of the other old-
timers become popular with Kynoch ammo again avail¬
able.
For many of the reasons given here, there exists, at
least in collections, a great wealth of oddball and never-
very-popular British cartridges. Hoyem and Fleming
depict many that have popped up, but firearms for some of
them are exceedingly scarce. Here we tell the story of
what we feel are the most successful British cartridges.
Many people take their British rifles hunting or target
shooting today. If you would do so, please make sure yours
is safe to shoot, and be certain to check the size of your
rifle’s bore and chamber before you attempt to shoot it. We
know of some rifles that are over 120 years old, yet their
owners shoot them frequently, even take them hunting.
These guns are in perfect condition. The owners shoot
loads that are very conservative and thoroughly safe.
Because we can’t personally inspect your firearms and
advise you on the wisdom of shooting them, we give very
limited loading data.
Another caution might be in order. It is the opinion of
David Winks, the now-retired chief barrel maker for Hol¬
land & Holland, that homogeneous bullets of any type
ought never to be fired from fine rifle barrels, specifically
from British double rifles. Because of the bullets’ extreme¬
ly tough construction they are too hard on the bore, in his
opinion.
Mr. Winks also told this writer that they used Car¬
tridges of the World nearly every day at the H&H shop, a
philosophy echoed by the folks at John Rigby & Co. We
sincerely hope this revised chapter will be of some added
value to them, and to the many lovers of British rifles and
their cartridges worldwide.
We welcome your input to correct any misinformation
found here, and please let us know of your ideas for future
inclusions or omissions for the next edition of Cartridges of
the World. We wish you good shooting with your British
firearms.
Ray Ordorica, British cartridge Editor .
314 Cartridges of the World
%
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
297/230 Morris Short, Long,
Extra Long, & Lancaster Sporting
Historical Notes These cartridges are listed together because
they are very similar. The Morris Long has a long neck, the Extra
Long has a really long neck (lVs" case length), and the Lancaster
Sporting resembles the illustrated Short, but its shoulder is far¬
ther forward. They first appeared in an Eley ad in 1882. They are
target or practice rounds to be fired from a barrel insert for the
British 577/450 Martini-Henry service rifle. The idea originated
with Richard Morris and was adopted by the British army. Some
models of the 303 Enfield rifle used an insert for the Morris
cartridges also. In addition, barrel and chamber inserts were
available for the Webley & Scott 450 and 455 revolvers. Euro¬
pean-made single shot pistols and rifles are occasionally found
chambered for the Morris cartridges. They were listed in Eley-
Kynoch catalogs as late as 1962. B.S.A. made Martini-actioned
rifles for these cartridges.
General Comments The 297/230 cartridges were used for tar¬
get practice and small game shooting. Power is about the same as
the standard 22 rimfire. They lost adherents because 22 rimfire
ammunition is cheaper, even though the centerfire Morris car¬
tridges can be reloaded. They were originally blackpowder num¬
bers, but late issue ammunition used smokeless powder. Bullets
were of lead in solid or hollowpoint types.
297/230 Morris Short, Long, and Extra Long Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
43 lead
Unique
3
900
75
Lyman #225438
43 lead
2400
4
1200
138
Lyman #225438
37 lead
Black
3.25
875
63
Eley factory load
37 lead
Black
5.5
1200
120
Eley factory load
240 Magnum Flanged and
240 Magnum Rimless
(Holland’s 240 Apex)
Historical Notes A pair of 6mm cartridges introduced by Holland
& Holland in the early 1920s. The rimmed cartridge was, of course,
designed for double rifles and the belted rimless version for maga¬
zine rifles. H&H also called it the 240 Super Express, but original
ammo boxes from the maker give the names in the header here.
General Comments Performance of these two 240s is similar
to that of the 243 Winchester. Holland data gives a velocity of
2900 fps with a 100-grain bullet for the belted version. In a strong
modem single shot or bolt-action rifle, using modem powders, the
performance could be increased significantly. However, this usu¬
ally doesn’t work for double rifles because they are sighted and
regulated for a specific loading. If you change things, the rifle may
not shoot your loads to the same point of impact as the original
load. That is why most rimmed British cartridges have a limited
selection of bullet weights and velocities. The British were well
ahead of the U.S. in the development of good 6mm cartridges.
Either of these cartridges would do anything that could be done
by the 243 or 6mm Remington.
240 Magnum Flanged and Rimless (240 Apex) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
100 Sp ^2900_1870 Factory load
Historical Notes Developed by Kynoch for Manton & Co., Cal-
cutta, in 1923, this cartridge was first called the 242 Manton. It
was listed in late post-war Kynoch catalogs.
General Comments The 242 rimless is very similar to the 243
Winchester and 6mm Remington in power and capacity. The case
is a little longer than the American 6mms, but not quite as large
in diameter. When loaded with American powders and used in a
strong modem bolt action, it will deliver performance very similar
to the 243 Winchester. This would be an effective cartridge for the
same general range of game and shooting conditions as the 243
Winchester. Bullet diameter is .249-.253, so .243-inch bullets
would not give satisfactory accuracy. One might be able to swage
down 257-cahber bullets to fit, but be sure to slug your bore before
attempting to reload for this cartridge.
242 Rimless Nitro Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
100 S p _FL_2800_1740_Kynoch factory load
8th Edition 315
Chapter 8
244 Magnum (H&H)
Historical Notes This, the last belted magnum developed by
Holland & Holland, was introduced in 1955 for their Mauser-type
bolt-action sporting rifles. Custom-made rifles of this caliber are
seen occasionally. American loading handbooks have listed it in
the past.
General Comments The high-velocity 244 Holland & Holland
Magnum is based on the 375 H&H Magnum case necked-down to
6mm. This is a large capacity case for the caliber. Only very slow-
burning powders will develop maximum velocity in a case this
big, so the British were forced to use something other than cordite
for this cartridge. American powders such as IMR-4350, IMR-
4831 and similar powders give good results with bullets of 100
grains. Holland & Holland advertise a muzzle velocity of 3500 fps
with the 100-grain bullet. The 244 H&H Magnum is a long-range
light-game cartridge. It would also be an excellent varmint and
small game number under any conditions.
244 Magnum (H&H) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
100 SP FL 3500 2725_Factory load
246 Purdey
General Comments A rimmed, necked cartridge designed in
1921 for use in Purdey double rifles, the 246 Purdey was not pop¬
ular or widely used and is now obsolete. With a 100-grain bullet
at 2950 fps, it is in the same general class as the 243 Winchester
or 6mm Remington, only slightly less powerful. As with most car¬
tridges designed for double rifles, only one loading was available.
Bullet diameter ranges from .251-.253.
246 Purdey Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
100 SP FL 2950 1934_Factory load
297/250 Rook
Historical Notes Introduced by Holland & Holland for their
semi-smoothbore rifles, this load dates back prior to 1880. It is a
target and small game cartridge usually used in single shot rifles
based on the small Martini action, though occasionally seen in
very fine break-action single and double rifles. Incidentally, the
rook is a bird similar to our crow.
General Comments In performance, the 297/250 is similar to
the old 25 Stevens rimfire. However, it is a centerfire, bottle¬
necked shell and can be reloaded. There were a half dozen or
more of these so-called “rook” cartridges and none of them were
very widely used outside Britain. Like the others, this is entirely
a small game cartridge. Bullet diameter is .250-inch.
297/250 Rook Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
56 lead Black 6.5 1150 165 Factory load
316 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
255 Jeffery Rook
Historical Notes This small, rimmed, necked cartridge was
introduced by Jeffery and used in rook rifles. It is long obsolete in
Britain and quite rare in the U.S.
General Comments This is a small game and target number.
Several loadings were provided, with 3 or 9 grains of blackpow-
der, and several with from 3 V 2 to 4 1 /* grains of smokeless powder.
The usual bullet was a 65-grain lead solid or hollowpoint bullet at
a standard muzzle velocity of 1200 fps. The round may have been
used in single shot pistols as well as in rifles.
255 Jeffery Rook Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
65 lead_FL_1200 208 Factory load
256 MannllCher See 6.5x53Rin Chapter 7 .
Historical Notes There were four target loads developed from
the basic shape of the 6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer case. They
were the 256 Fraser Flanged and Rimless, and the 256 Swift
Flanged and Rimless. None achieved any great popularity.
256 Gibbs Magnum
--
Historical Notes This cartridge is a rimless, necked 6.5mm
introduced by George Gibbs in 1913 for Mauser-type magazine
rifles of his workup. The case is very similar to the 6.5x55mm
Swedish round in length and other dimensions. Powder capacity
and ballistics are also about the same.
General Comments Loading data for the 6.5x55mm could be
used as a guide in working up handloads for the 256. Bullet diam¬
eter is ,264-.265, but be sure to slug your bore because there are a
great many variations in 6.5mm rifles from all countries.
256 Gibbs Magnum Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV
145 SP FL 2600
ME Source
2178 Factory load
26 BSA (26 Rimless Belted NE)
Historical Notes Introduced by Birmingham Small Arms
(BSA) for their bolt-action sporting rifles based on the 1914
Enfield military action, the 26 Rimless Nitro Express originated
in 1921. It is actually a belted rimless case of advanced design.
General Comments The 26 BSA was intended to appeal to
those interested in high velocity, and it does this well with the
light 110-grain bullet. It is also an example of what happens
when every other feature is sacrificed for the last fps of velocity. It
looks good on paper, but it isn’t very effective. On the other hand,
some other 26-caliber cartridges with heavier bullets at lower
velocity have a fine reputation on all kinds of game. As factory
loaded, the 26 BSA was not a suitable cartridge for North Ameri¬
can hunting conditions. If handloaded with bullets of heavier
weight, it can be made as effective as any other 26 of similar case
capacity. Head diameter is close to that of the 300 H&H Mag¬
num, and cases can be made by reforming 300 H&H brass. Bullet
diameter of existing cartridge specimens ranges from .266-.269,
so be sure to slug your bore.
26 BSA Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
HO SP_PL_3100 2345 Factory load
8th Edition 317
Chapter 8
275 Rigby (7x57)
Historical Notes This round, identical to the 7x57mm Mauser,
was adopted by John Rigby & Co. in 1907 for Rigby bolt-action mag¬
azine rifles. Rigby was, at that time, the British outlet for Mauser.
Rigby’s ori ginal rifle featured the 175-grain bullet. In their 1924 cat¬
alog, Rigby lists three versions of the Mauser, their No. 1 rifle for the
175-grain bullet, and their No. 2 and 3 rifles for the 140-grain bullet,
designed for “deer stalking.” The No. 1 and 2 rifles weighed about 7.5
pounds and the No. 3 was built to weigh about 6 3 A pounds.
General Comments This cartridge was made famous by Wal¬
ter D. M. Bell, the British hunter who slew nearly a thousand ele¬
phant with it in the early years of the 20th century. He killed
them all with solid bullets of 175-grain weight, usually with one
shot apiece. Bell was one of the finest marksmen the world has
seen, and you can read about his successes in his Wanderings of
an Elephant Hunter , Karamojo Safari , and Bell of Africa. Unfor¬
tunately, many men who read Bell’s books and tried to emulate
his success with this little cartridge without Bell’s skill or luck
have gotten themselves killed. The 275 Rigby is a fine deer and
medium game cartridge. A fight No. 3 Rigby, stoked with the 140-
grain Nosier Partition, is one of the finest all-around rifles avail¬
able for thin-skinned game in the 200-pound-and-under class.
Don’t use it on elephant.
275 Rigby (7x57) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
140 Solid or LT Capped SNSP FL 3000 2800 Factory load
175 Solid or SN FL 2300 2066 Factory load
275 Belted Magnum (H&H)
275 Flanged Magnum (H&H)
Historical Notes Introduced in England in 1911-12, the belted
version for bolt actions and the flanged for single shot and double
rifles, these are the first 7mm magnums. They came out shortly
after the 280 Ross created quite a stir in the small-bore, high-
velocity field. A fair number of American custom rifles have been
made for this round but no factory rifles. The belted version,
known in the U.S. as the 275 H&H Magnum, was loaded by the
Western Cartridge Company until 1939. The rimmed version was
slightly down-loaded from the belted. It was developed by F.W.
Jones as an improvement of the 280 Ross. Eley and Kynoch
loaded bullets of 105,140,143,150,160, and 180 grains.
General Comments The 275 H&H Magnum is similar to the
7 mm Remington Magnum. With modem powders in a good rifle,
this ancient British number will do anything that can be done by
the 7mm Magnum. Be sure to slug your rifle to get the correct
bore size, and fit your bullets accordingly. This pair are good long-
range calibers for mountain or plains hunting of fight to medium
game.
275 Belted Magnum & Flanged Magnum (H&H) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
140 SP
FL
2650
2184
British factory load
160 SP
FL
2700
2600
British factory load
175 SP
FL
2680
2800
Western Factory load
275 No. 2 Magnum, or 7mm
Rigby Magnum Flanged
General Comments This is a rimmed, necked cartridge stalking and all classes of non-dangerous game.” It is another car-
designed for Rigby double rifles. It was introduced in 1927 and tridge in about the same class as the 7x57mm Mauser,
was still available in the early 1960s. It is advertised for “deer-
275 No. 2 Magnum Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
140 SP FL 2675 2230 Factory load
318 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
280 Flanged (280 Lancaster)
Historical Notes Developed by Lancaster, the rimmed 280 car¬
tridge is similar to the rimless 280 Ross and used in single shot
and double rifles. It was introduced shortly after the Ross car¬
tridge appeared in 1906. It is said to have been a favorite with
King George V.
General Comments The rimmed 280 is loaded to slightly low¬
er velocity than the 280 Ross. When the rimless Ross cartridge
was introduced in 1906, it created considerable interest all over
the world. It was only natural to bring out a rimmed version for
the man who preferred the double rifle. Both cartridges are prac¬
tically the same power and effectiveness. However, these high¬
speed 280 cartridges lost popularity after a few big game hunters
were killed while using them on heavy or dangerous game under
adverse conditions. One of the most famous of these was Sir
George Grey, killed by a lion in Africa.
280 Flanged (280 Lancaster) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
140 SP
NC
2800
2440
160 SP
NC
2600
2400
180 SP
NC
2400
2300
280 Ross (280 Rimless)
Historical Notes This timeless cartridge was designed by F.W.
Jones, a consultant to Eley and Sir Charles Ross and introduced
in 1906 for the Canadian straight-pull Ross rifle. This was one of
the first modem high-velocity small-bore cartridges. It was origi¬
nally a military design, but quickly caught the fancy of sportsmen
because of the high velocity, flat trajectory and excellent killing
power. The German 280 Halger Magnum is based on the Ross
case. At one time, Remington and Winchester loaded the 280
Ross. American companies discontinued it in 1935. It is actually a
semi-rimmed case.
General Comments The 280 Ross is an example of what hap¬
pens when hunters get overenthusiastic about something new. It
proved to have fantastic killing power on thin-skinned game.
Even dangerous species were dispatched occasionally as if struck
by lightning. However, there is a big difference between killing
dangerous game under ideal conditions and stopping them cold
when conditions get rough. Some men gave their lives to find this
out and the 280 Ross hit the skids. The original Ross bullet was
made to expand quickly on medium-sized game. No one bullet
weight or type will do all things. Other cartridges have been
maligned because someone used them on game or under condi¬
tions they weren’t designed for.
The 280 Ross is adequate for most North American game and
non-dangerous African plains varieties if you select the proper
bullet. The early straight-pull Ross rifles gained a bad reputation
because they could be assembled incorrectly and dangerously.
Some users were injured because of this.
280 Ross Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
140 SP
FL
2900
2620
Factory load
150 SP
FL
2800
2610
Factory load
160 SP
FL
2700
2600
Factory load
180 SP
FL
2550
2600
Factory load
280 Jeffery (33/280 Jeffery)
Historical Notes The 280 Jeffery is another of the series of280-
caliber cartridges designed as answers to the 280 Ross. The exact
date of introduction is not established but was about 1915. The
firm of Jeffery built Mauser-type bolt-action magazine rifles for
this cartridge.
General Comments This cartridge is based on the 333 Jeffery
case necked-down to accept .288-inch diameter bullets. It is a
larger case than the 280 Ross and holds more powder, but is not
loaded to a much higher velocity. With modem powders it could
be handloaded to deliver a good deal higher velocity within safe
pressure limits. However, today there are better and more mod¬
ern 7mm cartridges available. The 280 Jeffery is a good car¬
tridge for non-dangerous game at moderate to long range with
good bullets.
280 Jeffery Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
140 SP FL
MV ME Source
3000 2800 Factory load
8th Edition 319
Chapter 8
300 (295) Rook t --— p
Historical Notes Another of the small British rook cartridges,
this one is of rather obscure origin and use. It dates prior to 1874
and was originally a blackpowder cartridge. It was used in single
shot rifles and possibly pistols or revolvers. It was listed in the
1962 Eley-Kynoch catalog.
General Comments Aside from bullet diameter, the 300
300 (295) Rook Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
80 lead Black 10 1100 215_Factory load
Rook closely resembles the obsolete American 32 Extra Long,
centerfire. The case is shorter than the 32 Extra Long making
it possible to fire 300 Rook cartridges in old rifles for the
American cartridge. This might interest owners of old Ballard
or Stevens rifles. The 300 is strictly a small game or target
number.
300 Sherwood
Historical Notes Introduced by Westley Richards as their answer
to the 310 Greener cartridge in 1901 for use in Martini-action and in
Sherwood target rifles. Both solid lead or the amazing LT capped bul¬
lets (designed by Leslie Taylor, then the Director of W-R) were avail¬
able in it. About eight years later, W-R came out with a similar
cartridge called the 298 Minex, with a slightly shorter and slightly
bottlenecked case, and a bolt-action rifle to shoot it.
General Comments This is another British cartridge seldom
encountered today. It is of interest primarily to cartridge collec¬
tors. In power it is on a par with the 38 Special, but has a small¬
er diameter bullet. It would be useful for small game or pest
shooting at short to moderate ranges.
300 Sherwood Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
140 JHP FL 1400 610_Factory load
300 Belted Rimless
Magnum (H&H)
30 Flanged Magnum
(Holland’s Super 30)
Historical Notes The belted version here is the 300 Holland &
Holland Magnum familiar to most of the world. The flanged ver¬
sion is for double rifles and is loaded a bit below the other. These
cartridges originated in 1925. Additional data on the belted ver¬
sion is located in Chapter 2.
General Comments The performance of this pair with original
factory loading is on a par with that of the 30-06, perhaps a bit bet¬
ter. The flanged version must be loaded to give proper regulation in
the double rifle on hand, but the belted version, in a good bolt rifle,
can easily beat the ballistics of the 30-06 with careful handloading.
300 Belted Rimless Magnum (H&H’s Super 30) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
150 SP
180 SP
220 SP
Powder/grs.
FL
FL
FL
MV
3000
2750
2300
ME
3000
3020
2115
Source
British factory load
British factory load
British factory load
30 Flanged Magnum Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 SP
FL
2875
2755
Factory load
180 SP
FL
2575
2653
Factory load
220 SP
FL
2250
2475
Factory load
320 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
303 British
General Comments: The 303 British military cartridge is also
a popular sporting round throughout the British Commonwealth
and much of the world. It is covered in detail under military car¬
tridges and also listed with American sporting cartridges. Eng¬
lish and Canadian loads offered greater variety and performance
than those loaded in the U.S. See Chapter 2 for handloading data.
303 British Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 SP
FL
2700
2440
British factory load
174 SP
FL
2450
2315
British factory load
180 SP
FL
2540
2580
Canadian factory load
192 SP
FL
2200
2070
British factory load
210 SP
FL
2050
1960
British factory load
215 SP
FL
2050
2010
British factory load
375/303 Westley Richards
375/303 Axite
Historical Notes This cartridge was introduced in 1905, and was
listed in their catalogs for several years thereafter. It was also listed
in the 1909 Charles Lancaster & Co. catalog. It was used in high-
velocity double rifles by Westley with Lancaster oval-bore rifling, in
single shot falling-block rifles and in Lee-action magazine rifles.
General Comments Power is about the same as the 300 H&H
Magnum. It was loaded with Axite, a new Kynoch powder said by the
makers to be “comparatively free from erosive and corrosive effects.”
375/303 Westley Richards Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
215 SP FL 2500 2981 Factory load
200 SP FL 2726 2980 Factory load
303 Magnum
Historical Notes This cartridge was introduced by Jeffery in
1919 and subsequently adopted by the British Match Rifle Com¬
mittee. It had a short life, being listed by Kynoch only until 1930.
Case configuration is the same as the experimental 276 military
round and case capacity is the same as the 30-06.
General Comments This cartridge was designed for target
shooting at long ranges. Its performance is identical to that of the
30-06.
303 Magnum Factory Ballistics _
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
174 FMJ FL 2850 3050 Factory load
8th Edition 321
Chapter 8
310 Cadet (310 Greener)
Historical Notes This cartridge was introduced by Greener in
1900 as a target round for the small Martini sporting and train¬
ing rifles. Many were made for the Australian government as
cadet rifles. It also became a popular sporting caliber for small
game shooting. Thousands of the Australian Martini cadet rifles
were imported into the U.S. after WWII. The 310 cartridge is
rather well known in the U.S. as a result.
General Comments The 310 Cadet cartridge is similar in size
and performance to the 32-20. In fact, 310 ammo can be made
from 32-20 cases. Back in the ’50s Winfield Arms Co. and Klein’s
Sporting Goods of Chicago sold several hundred 310 Martini
rifles and actions. According to a 1955 data circular, these Marti¬
ni actions were tested with proof loads of up to 60,000 psi in order
to determine what range of cartridges they would be safe in them.
Some were rechambered for the 32 Winchester Special, others
were rebored to 357 Magnum. Quite a few have been rebarreled
to 22 Hornet or 218 Bee. Ken Warner has one for the 44 Magnum.
The 310 Cadet cartridge is a good small game and pest number at
moderate ranges, and it also is a good target round.
310 Cadet Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
84 lead
FL
Factory load
120 lead
FL 6
1200
385
Factory load
125 lead
FL
Factory load
Martini 310 Cadet rifle
318 Rimless Nitro Express
(318 Westley Richards/
318 Accelerated Express)
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed by Westley
Richards in 1910 for their bolt-action, Mauser-type magazine
rifles. It was intended for Africa, and it made a fine name for
itself there. It was one of the most popular medium bore car¬
tridges in Africa, even after the advent of the 375 H&H Magnum.
Many gunmakers have chambered bolt-action rifles for this
round. It is very similar to Elmer Keith’s 333 OKH and the cur¬
rent very popular wildcat, the 338-06. There was a square-shoul¬
dered version of this cartridge as well, designed to improve
head-space control. Because this was not a major problem, the
square-shouldered version didn’t last. It was fired in the standard
chamber.
General Comments The 318 can be used in standard-length
bolt actions of fairly fight weight. This cartridge threw bullets of
good weight at respectable velocity that proved very deadly on all
sorts of game, and as a result, it became very popular. It worked so
well on all African medium game that it got some hunters in trou¬
ble when they tried to extend its usefulness to dangerous game,
and discovered their mistake sometimes at the cost of their fives.
The 318 case is very similar to the 30-06 in size, shape and
capacity. The 180-grain bullet was used on the fighter animals,
while the 250-grain was preferred for all medium to heavy game.
Bullet types were in solid, softpoint and the Westley Richards
copper capped. Fraser had their “ratchet” bullet load in this cal¬
iber. Bullets of the necessary .330-inch diameter for the 318 W-R
can be obtained by swaging or centerless-grinding existing 338-
caliber bullets. Also, Woodleigh makes best-quality bullets in soft-
nose or solid persuasion of the exact size. The cases can be made
from 30-06 brass. The 318 W-R has been used with great success
on all North American big game, though it is not recommended
for use against the biggest bears or any kind of dangerous game
in a tight spot.
318 Rimless Nitro Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
180 SP FL 2700 2920 Factory load
250 SP FL 2400 3200 Factory load
322 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
333 Jeffery Flanged
and Rimless
Historical Comments These are the two versions of the 333
Jeffery introduced in 1908. The rimmed cartridge was intended
for double rifles, but the rimless-type for magazine rifles became
more popular. The rimmed 333 was discontinued after WWII.
Both have about the same power. German-made Mauser rifles
were also chambered for the rimless version.
General Comments The 333 Jeffery earned a fine reputation
on all varieties of African big game, including picked shots at ele¬
phant. Of course, most professional ivory hunters knew it was on
the light side for such animals and took over their heavy rifles
when in close cover or when they needed to drop the dangerous
game quickly. On soft-skinned game it gave excellent penetra¬
tion, particularly with the 300-grain bullet. It was the inspiration
for the wildcat 333 OKH designed by Elmer Keith, et al.
333 Jeffery Flanged and Rimless Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
250 SP
FL
2500
3480
Factory Rimless load
300 SP
FL
2200
3230
Factory Rimless load
250 SP
Cordite 67
2400
3200
Factory Flanged load
300 SP
Cordite 63
2150
3090
Factory Flanged load
33 BSA (33 Belted Rimless)
(330 BSA)
Historical Notes A belted cartridge, this was introduced by
Birmingham Small Arms in 19*21 for their bolt-action sporting
rifles based on the military Enfield. It was never very popular
and was discontinued many years ago.
General Comments Like the rimless 26 BSA, the 33 was an
effort to furnish a high-velocity cartridge in a popular caliber.
Neither effort was a commercial success. The 165-grain bullet
starts out at 3000 i^>s, but it has poor sectional density, and at
100 yards the velocity is down to about 2650. The 33 BSA offered
good killing power on light game, but failed to penetrate properly
on heavy game. For this reason it was not a successful general-
purpose caliber for African game. Why the manufacturer didn’t
offer a choice of bullets with weights up to, say, 250 grains is a
mystery. Basically this is a good case design for modem rifles.
The handloader can improve this one and put it in the same class
as the 338-06 or the 318 Westley Richards. Properly handloaded,
the 33 BSA would do well on most North American big game.
This cartridge uses .338-inch diameter bullets. In fact, if you
lengthen the case an eighth of an inch and move the shoulder for¬
ward a bit, you have the 338 Winchester Magnum. When hand¬
loading this cartridge, remember the British Enfield action will
not stand the same high working pressure as will the Mauser 98.
33 BSA Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
165 SP FL
175 SP FL
MV ME Source
3000 3290 Factory load
Factory load
8th Edition 323
Chapter 8
Historical Notes The first of John Rigby & Co.’s 350s, this was
introduced in November 1899. This is the old 400 Purdey case
necked-down to 350-caliber. Rigby provided single shot, double
and bolt-action rifles in this caliber. The cartridge utilized out¬
standing softs and solids of 310 grains at about 2100 fps. The
400/350 was at one time the most popular and widely-used medi¬
um-bore cartridge for African hunting. It was succeeded by the
350 No. 2, which is identical in case dimensions but has a bullet of
only 225 grains, at somewhat higher velocity. That cartridge was
also loaded in a rimless version, but this one, the original and,
some say, the best of the 350 Rigbys, was only available as a
rimmed case. The magazine boxes of Rigby’s bolt rifles were
slanted to accommodate the rim.
General Comments The 400/350 is a rimmed case that
resembles the old 35 Winchester in general appearance. How¬
ever, it is longer and uses heavier bullets, and these are of .358-
inch diameter. The popularity of the 400/350 was due in a large
part to the excellent bullet design, which gave uniform and
dependable results. The incomparable John “Pondoro” Taylor
had a single-loader in this caliber, and that rifle was a great
favorite of his. He used it on lion and other big game, and pene¬
tration and overall performance were excellent. The 400/350
would be a good cartridge for most North American big game,
particularly where ranges are short.
400/350 Rigby Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV
310 SP FL 2100
ME Source
3035 Factory load
350 No. 2 Rigby and 350
Rigby Magnum
Historical Notes The rimmed version, the 350 No. 2, was the
successor to the 400/350 Rigby. The cases of the two are identical.
The only difference from the 400/350 is in bullet weight and veloc¬
ity. The rimless 350 Rigby Magnum was designed for bolt-action
magazine rifles. Both of these came out in 1908, and both used a
bullet of only 225 grains weight in order to up the velocity of what
was already a fully successful cartridge. This, it was felt, was nec¬
essary to compete with speedier cartridges that were all the rage
at the time.
General Comments The 350 Rigby Magnum and the No. 2
were popular with many African and Asian hunters. Their per¬
formance is similar to that of the 35 Whelen. Many hunters pre¬
ferred the 350 Rigby Magnum over the 375 H&H Magnum
because the Rigby had less recoil. Either of these would be a fine
cartridge for any North American big game short of big bear,
though some hunters who can put up with the poorer trajectory
prefer the heavier bullet of the original 400/350. Today Rigby
chambers their medium-bore double rifles for the 9.3x74R.
350 Rigby Magnum and 350 No. 2 Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
225 SP
FL
2625
3440
Factory rimless load
225 SP
FL
2575
3312
Factory No. 2 load
360 No. 5 Rook
Historical Notes Introduced between 1875 and 1880, this
cartridge was loaded up until WWII. It was used in handguns
and rifles. The 1909 Charles Lancaster & Co. catalog illus¬
trates it for their under-lever single shot rifle and the Webley
New “Express” revolver. Many other arms chambered the 360
No. 5.
General Comments In addition to the versions listed below,
shot and blank cartridges were also offered. Although ammuni¬
tion catalogs separate rifle and revolver loadings, in actual prac¬
tice any version could be used in rifles or in late model revolvers.
The 360 No. 5 cartridge is very similar to the 380 Long and the 38
Long Colt. This is a small game and target load.
360 No. 5 Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
82 lead
Powder/grs.
FL
MV
ME
Source
Blackpowder factory load
125 lead
FL
1050
310
Blackpowder factory load
134 lead
FL
1025
312
Blackpowder & smokeless factory loads
145 lead
FL
1075
373
Smokeless factory load
324 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
360 Express ( 2 V 4 ")
360 Nitro For Black
360 Nitro Express
Historical Notes The 360 (2V4-inch) is an old blackpowder car¬
tridge that first appeared before 1873. It was loaded with a great
variety of bullet weights as a blackpowder cartridge: from 71 to
215 grains. Cartridge case length also varied considerably. The
2V4-inch version was the most common, but a length of 2 7 /i6 inch¬
es was also common, a favorite length of Alexander Henry, who
was arguably the best craftsman of the 19th centuiy. Some cases
were as long as 2 3 /4 inches.
Nitro loadings were with bullet weights of 190, 200, 250, and
300 grains (at least). Nitro versions date from around 1900-1902.
Some blackpowder loads were paper patched, others of bare lead.
General Comments This is hardly a big game cartridge, but
would be useful for small, thin-skinned game. In power it is about
the same as the 38-55 and wouldn’t be a bad short-range woods
cartridge for deer-size animals. It was used mostly in single shot
and double rifles. If you have a rifle in this bore size, be sure to
make a chamber cast to find out the true dimensions before you
attempt to reload for it. Bertram of Australia makes brass for the
360 that is long enough to make about any rifle in this caliber
shoot.
360 Express (2V4")/360 Nitro For Black Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
190 (360 NBP)
FL
1700
1222
Smokeless factory load
300 (360 NE)
FL
1650
1820
Smokeless factory load
400/360 NE (23/ 4 ") Purdey/
Westley Richards/
Fraser/Evans
Historical Notes Although these cartridges have similar names
they are not interchangeable. The Purdey version uses a bigger
bullet than the others, of .367-inch diameter. The other versions
have bullets from .358- to .360-inch diameter. The Purdey is usu¬
ally marked 400/360P or 400/360B. There are significant varia¬
tions in bullet weight and in rim thickness as well. In addition,
Westley Richards had a rimless version of the 400/360, loaded
with a 314-grain bullet.
General Comments These are all about the same power and
all are fine for use against medium-size game, particularly for
close-range or woods hunting. They appeared about 1900. The
Purdey and Evans versions use a 300-grain bullet at 1950 fps,
and the Westley Richards threw a 314-grain bullet at 1900 fps.
The Fraser used a 289-grain bullet. Often the correct load is
engraved on the rifle in question, or information leading to the
correct load may be given in the proof marks of British
firearms. These rifles are quite common today, and they often
are very confusing. The best way to determine what you have is
to make a chamber cast and measure it precisely. Be sure to
slug your bore.
400/360 NE (23/ 4 '0 Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
289 SP
FL
Fraser factory load
300 SP
FL
1950
2537
Purdey factory load
300 SP
FL
1950
2537
Evans factory load
314 SP
FL
1900
2520
Westley Richards factory load
360 No. 2 Nitro Express
Historical Notes This was introduced by Eley Brothers in 1905
as a cartridge for single shot and double rifles. The 360 No. 2 was
moderately popular, but could not compete with the 375 H&H
Magnum which appeared on the market only a few years later.
General Comments This is a large, rimmed, bottlenecked case
noted for the low pressure it develops. In its day it was considered
a good all-round caliber for thin-skinned African or Indian game. It
would be adequate for any North American big game at moderate
ranges and would make a good woods or brush cartridge.
360 Nitro Express No. 2 Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
320 SP FL 2200 3442 Factory load
8th Edition 325
Chapter 8
375 Flanged Nitro
Express ( 2 V 2 ") (370 Flanged)
Historical Notes Introduced in 1899, this is a straight rimmed
case not to be confused with the 375 Flanged Magnum which has a
larger necked case. It was used in single shot and double rifles,
although BSA made a bolt-action Lee magazine rifle of this caliber.
General Comments The straight 375 rimmed cartridge is suit¬
able for much hunting use, and would be adequate for almost any
North American big game, particularly for hunting in woods or
brush. Bullets are no problem. This one is very similar in concept
to the 375 Winchester, but the two are not interchangeable. This
cartridge lends itself to some improvement by handloading,
which is ok in a single shot or magazine rifle. One can make brass
from 405 Winchester cases, or seek out Mr. Bertram, of Australia,
for new brass. Elmer Keith had a Lancaster oval-bore double rifle
in this caliber which he used for elk on occasion. The grand old
master liked the rifle and caliber very much once he got it regu¬
lated properly, which he said was quite a chore.
375 Flanged Nitro-Express (2 1 /2 / Q Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
270 SP FL 2000 2400 Factory load
300 SP_ FL Factory load
400/375 Belted Nitro
Express (H&H)
Historical Notes This is the world’s first belted case. It was
introduced in 1905 by Holland & Holland to compete with the ris¬
ing popularity of the 9.5mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer. The
400/375 was used mainly in bolt-action rifles, but some double
and single shot rifles chambered it. It was listed in British ammu¬
nition catalogs until 1936-38. Many of Holland & Holland’s rifles
in this caliber were apparently take-downs, on Mannlicher and,
later, on Mauser 98 actions.
General Comments The power of the 400/375 is nearly identi¬
cal to that of the 9.5mm Mannlicher, or in the same class as the
358 Winchester. It would be adequate for most North American
big game at moderate ranges. Cases can be made from 240
Weatherby brass. Bullets designed for 375 Magnum velocities
will perform poorly at these low velocities, but one might have
good luck with cast bullets or with those designed for the 375
Winchester rifle.
400/375 Belted Nitro-Express (H&H) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
270SP, FMJ FL 2175 2840 Factory load
320 Cordite 43 Factory load
375 Rimless NE (2V 4 ")
9.5x57 MS
General Comments This is the British designation for the
9.5mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer, and it may be listed either or
both ways. There is a very slight difference in loading between
the two listings, but they are interchangeable. This cartridge
takes bullets of .375-inch diameter, and performance is similar to
that of the 400/375. The 9.5mm M-S is not carried in late Euro¬
pean catalogs. Additional data is in the section on European car¬
tridges.
375 Rimless NE (2 1 /4 // ) (9.5x57 MS) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
270 SP
FL
2150
2771
European factory load
270 SP
FL
2100
2643
British factory load
326 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
369 Nitro Express
(Purdey)
Historical Notes This cartridge was brought out in 1922 by
Purdey for double rifles of their manufacture.
General Comments The 369 Purdey was loaded with only
one bullet weight (270 grains) and offers ballistics practically
identical to the 375 H&H Flanged Magnum with the same bul¬
let. The 369 uses bullets of .375-inch diameter. It is a good car¬
tridge suitable for any of the heavier varieties of North Ameri¬
can big game. It could be improved by handloading, but because
it was only used in double rifles, it isn’t practical to change the
performance.
369 Nitro-Express (Purdey) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
270 sp [L_2500_3760 Factory load
375 Flanged Magnum
375 Belted Rimless
Magnum
375 H&H Magnum
Historical Notes In 1912 Holland & Holland brought out perhaps
the most famous pair of cartridges ever devised, their 375 Magnum
in belted and flanged versions. The belted version was for magazine
rifles and the rimmed, for doubles and single loaders. When these
came out there was nothing like them. Their only competitors were
the 450/400 in doubles, the 404 Jeffery in magazine rifles, and the
smaller 350 Rigby Magnum and No. 2. The 375 offered very flat tra¬
jectory, adequate bullet weight, and outstanding performance in
handy rifles of top quality. The belted version has always been with
us, and Kynoch again loads the rimmed version today.
General Comments This caliber has been very successful and
hence very popular in Africa, and India, and of course Alaska.
Nearly every manufacturer in the world makes or has made rifles
in the belted version of this cartridge. Double rifles are still occa¬
sionally made for the flanged version of this caliber.
The 375 rimmed is loaded to slightly less velocity than the belted
case, but not enough to make any real difference. One can use the same
loading data as for the 375 belted magnum. However, you can’t change
the ballistics without causing the barrels of a double rifle to shoot to dif¬
ferent points of impact. You have to regulate your load to the individual
rifle by trial and error. A rifle in either version of this caliber makes a
fine all-around hunting rifle for anything on the face of the earth
375 H&H Flanged Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
270 SP
IMR 4350 83
2620
4115
300 SP
IMR 4350 80
2500
4160
235 SP
FL
2750
3945
Factory load
270 SP
FL
2600
4050
Factory load
300 SP
FL
2400
3835
Factory load
375 Belted Magnum Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
235 SP
FL
2800
4090
Factory load
270 SP
FL
2650
4200
Factory load
300 SP
FL
2500
4160
Factory load
380 Short and Long (Rifle)
Historical Notes Old blackpowder cartridges that date back to
the early 1870s, they were used in single shot rifles, pistols and
revolvers. These were also loaded by DWM in Germany and
chambered in cheap, European-made handguns.
General Comments The 380 Long is similar to the old 38 Long Colt.
It is only suitable for short-range target and small game use. If you have
a gun chambered for one of these, it is possible to make ammunition
from 38 Special brass. The 380 has an outside-lubricated bullet of up to
.376-inch diameter, but smaller inside-lubricated types can be used for
handloading. Use the same loading data as for the 38 Long Colt
380 Short and Long (Rifle) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
124 lead_FL_1050_304 Blackpowder factory load
8th Edition 327
Chapter 8
400 Purdey (3") Light
Express
400 Straight 3"
Historical Notes Numerous 400 straight cases were cham¬
bered in British rifles from the dawn of the breechloading era,
including cases made of paper and coiled brass, some as short as
2 inches, others as long as 3V 4 . Purdey’s utilized a 3-inch case
loaded with “light cordite” for their double rifles, around 1905.
Kynoch offered a shot cartridge slightly longer than 3 inches, per¬
haps for use in oval-bored rifles of 40 caliber.
General Comments According to a Purdey catalog, “The light
400 is an excellent firearm for deer, wild boar, etc., and has
gained great popularity for tiger shooting in India, having the
advantage of being a really powerful firearm and no heavier than
a heavy 12-bore gun. The bullet is lead with a nickel base, and at
100 yards has a striking energy of 1,443 foot pounds.” We hope
not too many tiger hunters had to defend themselves with this
one. A 40-caliber bullet weighing only 230 grains would work fine
on deer, as it has about the sectional density of a 44 Magnum
load, though at somewhat greater velocity. Penetration would
depend on bullet construction. These rifles require .405-inch bul¬
lets, which nobody makes, so you’ll probably have to cast them or
swage down 41 Magnum bullets.
400 Purdey (3") Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV
230 lead Cordite 47 2050
ME Source
2150 Factory load
450/400 23 / 8 " BPE
450/400 2 3 /s" Nitro For BP
450/400 2 3 /s" Nitro Express
Historical Notes These are different loadings of the same car¬
tridge—a blackpowder load that originated circa 1880. The nitro-
for-black and NE versions originated ca. 1899. These are based
on the old 450-bore-base-diameter case shortened and necked-
down to 40-caliber, and loaded (first) with 80 grains of blackpow¬
der and a 210- to 270-grain lead bullet. The nitro-for-black
version was made for use in blackpowder rifles, was loaded with
270-grain bullets, and developed very low pressure. The full nitro
version featured 300- to 400-grain bullets over 40 to 43 grains of
cordite. There was a similar BP Express cartridge of 2 7 /s // length,
and some other rather rare variations on this theme.
General Comments The British worked up smokeless load¬
ings for many of their old blackpowder cartridges. For single
shot rifles this was not difficult. However, with a double rifle,
the load had to be balanced to shoot to the same point of
impact as the original blackpowder load. Just working up the
same velocity for the same bullet didn’t always work. Various
bullets and velocities had to be tried to arrive at the right com¬
bination. Once arrived at, you would have a good short-range
deer rifle. The NE version with 43 grains of cordite and the
400 grain bullet would be quite a bit more powerful and gen¬
erally more useful.
450/400 23 / 8 " BPE, Nitro For BP, and Nitro Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
210 to 270 lead
FFg
79-84
Blackpowder load
270 RN lead, copper tube
Cordite
38
1650
1630
Nitro for black factory load
300 RN HP
Cordite
40
Nitro Express factory load
400 RN HP
Cordite
42-43
Nitro Express factory load
328 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
450/400 31 / 4 " BPE, Nitro
for Black, and Nitro
Express
Historical Notes The 450/400 3 V 4 " was based on the 450 3 l U"
case necked down. In blackpowder form it was loaded with about
110 grains of powder, and bullet weight varied from 230-300
grains. The nitro for black version was stoked with 45-48 grains
of cordite and with bullets from 270 to 316 grains weight. The
nitro version was loaded with 400-grain softs and solids over 56 to
60 grains of cordite. There were two thicknesses of rims on the
nitro version of these cartriges. The later, thicker version is .042-
inch thick, and it exists because of the great length of the neck of
this case. In blackpowder versions it extracted easily, but on the
nitro version, any slight bit of corrosion in the chamber caused
the case to stick, and the rim would pull off. Hence the change.
Jeffery eliminated the long neck in his version.
General Comments The blackpowder version of this cartridge
was generally a light deer rifle; however, in nitro version it is the
smallest of the British cartridges that can be considered a danger¬
ous game cartridge. It is practical for all around use on African
game, and was one of the most popular cartridges in the world
before the advent of the 375 Magnum. If one is a cool and good shot,
he can take this one against the biggest elephant, which is just
what John “Pondoro” Taylor did many times. He speaks quite high¬
ly of it in his African Rifles and Cartridges. Many double rifles are
encountered today for both blackpowder and nitro versions of this
cartridge. The nitro rifles tend to be quite heavy for the caliber,
probably because rifle makers didn’t know the weight was not
needed for cartridges of this power. Jeffery designed a similar 3-
inch 40-caliber nitro round, called the 400 Jeffery, that is not inter¬
changeable with this one (see below). Some of his rifles were quite
light, but a great many were built on ponderous actions and
weighed over 11 pounds, when 9 V 2 would have been adequate.
450/400 3 V 4 " BPE and Nitro Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
230-300 lead
FFg
110
Factory load
270-316 SP
Cordite
45-48
Nitro for black factory load
400 SP
Cordite
56-60
2150
4110
Nitro factory load
400 Jeffery NE
450/400 3"
Historical Notes This cartridge was designed by Jeffery in
1902. According to Pondoro Taylor* the short case was brought
out because the longer blackpowder cartridge had a tendency to
stick in the chamber after firing. The overall length is shorter but
the shoulder is farther forward. The 400 Jeffery was designed
exclusively for cordite; it was never available with black. As with
the 3V 4 -inch version, this was very popular before the 375 H&H
Magnum appeared. It is still one of the most effective all-round
calibers for Africa.
General Comments The 400 Jeffery throws a 400-grain bullet
at adequate velocity, and hence is more effective on the largest
game than is the 300-grain 375 H&H Magnum bullet. However,
it is less versatile as to available guns and loads, and that is
where the 375 shines. Taylor wrote that he considered either of
the 450/400s, the 3- or 3V4-inch version, adequate for any African
game under almost any conditions, if used by an experienced
hunter. Taylor killed about 1500 elephant, using about every
available caliber in the process, so his opinion is something to con¬
sider. Elmer Keith wrote that a double rifle for this cartridge
would be his first choice for crawling through an Alaskan alder
thicket after big bear. Bullets of proper diameter may be obtained
from Barnes or Woodleigh, or from many smaller custom makers.
Bertram makes brass that can be formed into either of these two
grand 40s. The availability of good bullets in this size (.411-inch
diameter) has made this cartridge newly popular. Good, reason¬
ably light double rifles for it are becoming hard to find.
*Op. cit.
400 Jeffery (450/400 NE 3") Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
400 SP Cordite 55,57, or 60 2100 3920 Factory load
The 55- or 57-grain charge was offered for use in extremely hot climates. There was a 300-grain bullet
loading offered that was not a great success.
8th Edition 329
Chapter 8
404 Jeffery
404 Rimless NE
Historical Notes Introduced by W. J. Jeffery in 1909, vastly popular
for many years, then slowing dying over many decades, the 404 Jef¬
fery now has a new lease on life. In 1993, Dynamit Nobel announced
they would restart production of 404 Jeffery ammo, and Ruger
announced that their M77 rifle would be chambered in that caliber. A
Canadian company, NASS, recently announced a line of proprietary
cartridges ranging from 7mm to 458, based on the 404 case. In the
United States, Dakota Arms of Sturgis, South Dakota, has introduced
their own line of proprietary cartridges based on the 404 case, ranging
from 7mm to 416. Bullets of .423-inch diameter are now available for
the 404, but at this writing cases are still a bit of a problem. Only RWS
amd Bertram make them. The 404 was designed to be a bolt-action
cartridge that would duplicate the ballistics of the rimmed 400 Jef¬
fery and the 450/400 3 1 //. The 404 is also popular on the Continent,
and it is metrically named the 10.75x73mm. Today it is loaded a bit
hotter than originally.
General Comments The 404 made a great name for itself in
Africa, where inexpensive bolt rifles let its performance be expe¬
rienced by those who couldn’t afford a double rifle for one of the
400 NE’s. At one time a higher-velocity 300-grain load was avail¬
able for the 404. It gave good results on thin-skinned game but
proved rather unreliable on the heavier species. With the stan¬
dard 400-grain bullet, the 404 was a very popular general-pur¬
pose caliber in Africa and India. Properly used, it is adequate for
any game found there. It is somewhat overpowered for North
American game and lacks the flat trajectory and long-range
potential necessary for much of our hunting, though the hand-
loader can find all the flatness anyone would want. The 404
would make a good bear or other big game caliber in heavy brush
or timber. The 404 uses .423-inch diameter bullets, and they are
available from Barnes, Woodleigh, and RWS.
404 Jeffery Nitro Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
300 SP
FL
2600
4500
Factory load
400 SP
FL
2125
4020
Factory load
400 SP
FL
2300
4700
New load
416 Rigby
Historical Notes A proprietary cartridge introduced by John
Rigby in 1911 for his magnum Mauser-actioned rifles, both car¬
tridge and rifle established a record of reliability on dangerous
game that endures to this day. Magazine rifles were initially
offered for this round, but until recently Rigby only made one dou¬
ble rifle for it, by special order and with lots of monetary persua¬
sion. Today it is chambered by Ruger in their single shot and
magazine rifles, and by several other manufacturers. Federal Car¬
tridge Co. offers premium loaded ammo of this caliber. The 416
Rigby is probably the best magazine cartridge for big game ever
offered. Recently, two copies have appeared—the 416 Remington
Magnum and 416 Weatherby Magnum. Both of them use a belted
case, and this was a mistake. The clean line of the non-belted case
makes for better feeding through the magazine, adding an extra
margin of reliability. (See Chapter 2 for more information.)
General Comments The 416 Rigby is a more or less modern¬
ized version of the 404 Jeffery and delivers greater striking ener¬
gy. For those who prefer the bolt-action rifle, it is a great favorite
for use against dangerous game in almost any situation. Because
the 416 Remington and Weatherby are now standard items,
many great bullets are available in this caliber. This cartridge is
a handloaderis dream. Numerous moulds are available for those
who would shoot cast bullets.
416 Rigby Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
410 SP FL 2370 5100 Factory load
400 SP FL 2430 5245 Federal load
330 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
425 Westley Richards Magnum
and Semi-rimmed Magnum
Historical Notes Westley Richards introduced this cartridge in
1909. The most common and quite successful version has a rebat¬
ed rim that fits the standard-diameter Mauser bolt face. Westley
made double rifles as well as bolt actions for the 425. It is a very
good cartridge and several unsuccessful attempts have been made
to resurrect it. The 425 is a sort of poor-man’s magnum. Its rebat¬
ed rim is 30-06 size, so any 30-06 or 8mm Mauser action can be
made to accept it with minimal gunsmithing. The result is a very
good and powerful big game rifle for reasonable cost. Bullet diam¬
eter is .428-.435, and Barnes and Woodleigh make bullets for it.
General Comments The 425 was designed for use against
dangerous game. It was intended to take the place of the 450-
bore in India, though W-R offered their 476 for Africa. The 425
proved to be a fine cartridge, and was offered with solids and
with the Leslie Taylor-designed capped soft-nose bullets. Tay¬
lor was the general manager of W-R at the turn of the century,
and he was personally involved in bullet design, among many
other things. The so-called LT capped bullets worked very well
and were incorporated into most other W-R cartridges includ¬
ing their 318 and 476.
425 Westley Richards Magnum Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
410 SP FL 2350 5010 Factory load
500/450 No. 1 Carbine
No. 1 Express
No. 1 Musket, etc.
Historical Notes Perhaps no cartridges in the world are more
abundant or more confusing than those of British origin labeled
500/450, followed by one or another designator. There are no less
than nineteen listings of individually identified cartridges in
Fleming’s British Sporting Rifle Cartridges. Many of them were
loaded with a great variety of bullet weights. All of them were
bottleneck cartridges, and all began life loaded with blackpowder.
The No. 1 Carbine was Westley Richards’ first drawn case, that
appeared just before 1880. W-R was also responsible for the Mus¬
ket and the 2 3 / 4 -inch No. 1 Express, and possibly others of this lot.
The oldest of the 500/450s is a coiled brass case of 2 V 2 -inch length
that dates to 1871. Some of them were loaded well into the 20th
century.
General Comments All of the 500/450s are in the same class as
the 45-70 and would be a fairly effective short-range cartridges for
North American game. Because of the great variation in designs
the reloader should be careful to determine exactly which of the
many variants he has, before attempting to build cartridges for it.
500/450 No. 1 Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
270 lead
FL
1900
2160
Factory blackpowder load
500/450 No. 2 Musket Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
480 lead
FL
1300
1805
Factory blackpowder load
480 lead
FL
1300
1805
Factory smokeless load
500 lead
FL
1350
2025
Factory smokeless load
577x450 Martini-Henry s ee Chapter 7.
8th Edition 331
Chapter 8
450 31 / 4 " BPE
Historical Notes There were a great many “straight” British
cartridges of nominal 450 designation, ranging from the 450 No.
1 — barely longer than the 45 Coltr-up to the 450 3V 4 ". In Flem¬
ing’s British Sporting Rifle Cartridges there is a progression of no
less than nine different lengths illustrated, in coiled paper, coiled
brass, and drawn brass. The 3V4-inch drawn brass version origi¬
nated prior to 1877, and coiled brass versions were in existence
before 1871. Bullet weights ran from about 270 grains up to 365
in the nitro-for-black versions. Powder charges were from 105 to
at least 120 grains of black (Greener indicates 150 grains). Nitro
loadings for blackpowder rifles used up to 55 grains of cordite.
The 450 37 4 " was loaded in France, Germany, Austria and Cana¬
da, and most likely elsewhere also. It was one of the best black-
powder cartridges in the world.
General Comments The BPE version became one of the
most popular cartridges ever devised. It was a deer cartridge, or
for medium-size game at best. Selous and Taylor both used this
cartridge to take elephant, but they both knew this was some¬
thing of a stunt. The 450 BP and nitro-for-black versions lasted
until well into the 20th century, and many rifles that chamber it
are still in use. The editor of this chapter once owned a plain-
grade Watson hammer double that would regulate perfectly
with bullets from 300 to 400 grains weight, and shot to its sights
out to well over half a mile.
450 3 V 4 " Nitro Express
Historical Notes When cordite was loaded into one of the
world’s most popular deer cartridges, along with suitable
full-patch bullets, it became the new standard-of-the-world
elephant cartridge, replacing the ponderous 8-, 6-, and 4-bore
blackpowder rifles. John Rigby and Co. introduced this car¬
tridge in 1898. For many years it was considered the stan¬
dard elephant or dangerous game cartridge, and enjoyed
great popularity. It utilizes 480-grain bullets of .458-inch
diameter.
General Comments The 450 Nitro is considered adequate for
dangerous African game—or any other game for that matter—
under almost any conditions. It would most likely have been the
only British cartridge used for big game hunting but for a British
law that prohibited the importation of 45-caliber rifles or car¬
tridges into India. British riflemakers had to come up with some¬
thing new, so the 425, 470, 476, and others came into being. But
the 450 NE was and still is a winner, and a great many double
rifles for this cartridge are still in service.
450 3V4 7/ Nitro Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
480 lead_FL_2150 4930 Factory smokeless load
500/450 3 V 4 " Magnum
Express (BPE)
Historical Notes This one originated in coiled form in the
1870s. Loaded with about 140 grains of blackpowder in drawn
brass version, it was once very popular in Africa. Typical express-
bullet weight was 325 grains.
General Comments This was popular enough that it was
loaded in both black and smokeless (nitro for black) versions until
the start of WWII. This must have caused some problems with
owners of nitro versions of this cartridge, which was an extreme¬
ly powerful elephant cartridge, and surely some orders of ammo
arrived in the heart of Africa that would fit the rifle, but would
not give the needed performance.
500/450 3V 4 Magnum BPE Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
325 SP
FL
1950
2745
Factory blackpowder load
325 SP
FL
1950
2745
Factory smokeless load
365 SP
FL
1875
2850
Factory smokeless load
332 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
500/450 31 / 4 "
Nitro Express
Historical Notes This is a rimmed, necked case introduced
(probably by Holland & Holland) around the turn of the century.
It is based on the blackpowder 500/450 Magnum Express shell. It
was used in single shot and double rifles, and made a great name
for itself in Africa. It was usually loaded with 480-grain bullets in
soft or solid, but other, slightly lighter loadings sometimes
appear. It is a fine performer, and Theodore Roosevelt had a dou¬
ble rifle in this caliber. H&H opened this up to become their
500/465 after the ban on 450-bore rifles in India and the Sudan.
General Comments This was a prime competitor of the 450 3V 4 "
NE, but performance of the two is about identical. The British
developed several 45-caliber large bores, all of which produced
about 5000 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. They have about the
same killing power and the choice becomes more or less a matter of
individual preference. All are large cartridges that develop quite
low pressure, suitable for hot climates where dangerous game
abounds. Younger African guides have, in many instances,
switched to bolt action rifles in contemporary calibers because
these rifles are cheaper than the classic English doubles, if not as
quick for the second shot. The bullet used in British 45-caliber car¬
tridges varies from .454- to .458-inch in diameter so there are plen¬
ty of jacketed or cast bullets available to fit almost any of them.
500/450 Magnum Nitro-Express (3V 4 *) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
480 SP_FL_2175 5080 Factory load
450 No. 2 Nitro
Express ( 3 V 2 ")
Historical Notes This is a longer case than the 500/450 Mag¬
num, but uses the same bullet weight at the same velocity. It was
introduced in about 1900-1902 by Eley. It was designed to give
very low pressure in single shot and double rifles, and has a thick
rim to aid extraction. It was loaded with 480-grain bullets, 70 to 80
grains of cordite, and with a great variety of bullet types. It later
was opened up to become the 475 No. 2 for importation into India.
General Comments The only logical reason for designing a larg¬
er capacity case to deliver the identical ballistics of a smaller car¬
tridge is to reduce breech pressure. It appears that some British
calibers had extraction difficulties during the transition from
black to smokeless powder. At first, this was believed to be the
result of the higher pressure developed by smokeless powder. Lat>
er they discovered most of the trouble could be eliminated by mak¬
ing the case heavier. Plenty of rifles of this caliber are still around,
though brass might present a difficulty from time to time.
450 No. 2 Nitro-Express ( 3 V 2 ”) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
480 SP_FL 2175 5050 Factory load
450 Rigby
Historical Notes Introduced in 1995, Rigby’s newest cartridge is
just one more feather in the hat of this very old but still progressive
and always innovative company. John “Pondoro” Taylor said that
Rigby’s always had Africa in mind when they brought out a new car¬
tridge, and that tradition continues today, with the company under
the direction of Mr. Paul Roberts. Mr. Roberts actually went to
Africa himself to test and see the results of the 450 Rigby in the
field. The cartridge has already made a good name for itself there
and will surely become another of the all-time great classics.
General Comments Rigby offers the 450 Rigby in bolt-action
or double rifle versions. In its standard factory loading, this car¬
tridge throws a 480-grain Woodleigh soft-nose or solid bullet at
2350 fps. This gives it quite a trajectory and terminal-perfor¬
mance edge on the 450-470 group, and it far surpasses the some¬
what overstrained 458. The case is basically the same one that
the 416 Rigby uses, with a sharp shoulder for good and consistent
resistance to the striker blow, and with a .458-inch bullet. Similar
in size to the 460 Weatherby, this improved design is unham¬
pered by a belt and thus gives smooth, quiet and sure feeding
from the magazine. This will be a good choice for the person want¬
ing to take only one rifle to Africa. It will also be right at home
with anyone who appreciates a good, powerful rifle.
8th Edition 333
Chapter 8
500/465 Nitro Express
Historical Notes This rimmed, necked cartridge was
introduced by Holland & Holland in 1907 to replace the 450
when that caliber was outlawed by the British governments
in India and the Sudan. This was an act of military expedi¬
ency to prevent rebel forces from obtaining ammunition or
components that could be used in military-caliber guns.
The 465 Nitro Express subsequently became quite popular
in Africa. The 465 was used in single shot and double rifles
and was listed in Kynoch and H&H catalogs as late as
1963. Holland and Holland continues to make double rifles
in this caliber.
General Comments The 465-caliber is rated as an excellent
all-round number for Africa, including heavy or dangerous game.
Components are available from U.S. suppliers. It is still tops for
African game. Only one bullet weight was used, but the 480-grain
slugs were available in solid, softpoint and metal-covered split
types. Bullets are available from Barnes and Woodleigh, and
Bertram and HDS offer brass.
500/465 Nitro Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
480 SP Cord. 73 2150 4930 Factory load
470 Nitro Express
Historical Notes The 470 was introduced in 1900 and, accord¬
ing to John Taylor, was designed by Joseph Lang. It is another
extremely popular caliber of the British gun trade which was
adopted by most rifle makers. It was used mostly in double rifles
and was a favorite of elephant hunters. Like most cartridges in
this group, it originated as a replacement for the 450 Nitro
Express, which was banned in India and the Sudan for a number
of years. Holland & Holland, Purdey and others still make guns
in this caliber in England. It was (and still is) Rigby’s choice when
they gave up their 450 NE.
General Comments The 470 Nitro was probably the most pop¬
ular and widely used of the various 470-caliber cartridges. It is
certainly the most enduring. It had plenty of killing power for
any of the heavy or dangerous varieties of game and it is potent
lion or tiger medicine in a tight spot. It can, like any powerful
cartridge, be used for smaller game than that for which it was
designed, and that in fact is how most of the big double rifles are
still used today. Federal Cartridge Co. began making loaded
ammunition in 1989 using best-quality 500-grain solids and soft-
points at 2150 fps. Reloading components are today widely avail¬
able, and many makers still offer double rifles in this caliber. It
is one of the best choices in any new double rifle because of
ammo and component availability. Federal does not offer compo¬
nents to the reloader, but bullets are available from A-Square,
Barnes, Trophy Bonded Bullets and Woodleigh, and from many
smaller custom shops. HDS and Bertram make brass, and
Kynoch again offers ammunition.
470 Nitro-Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
500 SP, FMJ
FL
2150
5140
British factory load
500 SP, FMJ
FL
2150
5140
500 SP, FMJ
FL
2150
5130
Factory load
334 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes This cartridge, like the 470, was designed to
replace the 450 calibers in India and the Sudan. Most were intro¬
duced between 1905 and 1910. This one came out in about 1900.
It is a straight, rimmed shell intended for single shot or double
rifles, and took a 480-grain bullet of, apparently, varying diame¬
ter. Cartridges with bullets as small as .474 and as large as .483
have been encountered.
General Comments The 475 Nitro has about the same perfor¬
mance as the 470, 465, etc., and was considered a good general-
purpose round for heavy and dangerous game of all types.
475 Nitro Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
480 SP FL
MV
2175
ME Source
5040 British factory load
475 No. 2 Nitro
Express and
475 No. 2 Jeffery
Historical Notes Developed to replace the 450 No. 2 (see page
333) when the British government prohibited that caliber in India
and the Sudan. The 475 No. 2 Nitro Express was used, of course, in
double rifles. The standard version used a 480-grain bullet with 80
or 85 grains of cordite. Jeffery’s load was with a 500-grain bullet
and three different powder charges, 75,80, and 85 grains of cordite.
The various cartridges would interchange but unless the load
matched the rifle, it wouldn’t regulate properly. There were some
bullet variations, but the most common was of .489-inch diameter.
General Comments The 475 is a very large, impressive-look¬
ing cartridge with an overall length of almost 4 1 /2 inches. It
undoubtedly gave its user some added bravado or confidence that
might have been well needed in a tight spot, in spite of the fact
that performance was about the same as that of shorter car¬
tridges. It has ample power for any African or Indian game, and
would also take care of anything in North America. The brass
case of the 475 is made unusually heavy to reduce expansion and
facilitate extraction, and pressure is quite low.
475 No. 2 Nitro-Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV
480 SP FL 2200
500 SP FL 2150
ME
5170
5140
Source
Standard factory load
Jeffery factory load
Historical Notes This cartridge was a Westley Richards devel¬
opment introduced in 1907. It was used in single and double
rifles, but was not as popular as others of the same class. The
520-grain bullets were of0.476-inch diameter, and the impressive
LT capped bullets were available as softs.
General Comments Nothing much can be said about the 476
Nitro Express that hasn’t already been mentioned about other
cartridges in the same class. They are all nearly identical in pow¬
er. The 476 is considered adequate for any and all African or Indi¬
an big game. It was a favorite of Elmer Keith’s.
476 Nitro-Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
520 SP FL
MV
2100
ME Source
5085 Factory load
8th Edition 335
Chapter 8
500 Express (BPE)
Nitro for Black
Historical Notes The straight 500 was offered in a great vari¬
ety of lengths, including 1V 2 -, 2-, 2V 4 -, 2V 2 -, 2V 8 -, 3-, and 31 / 4 -
inch. All were blackpower cartridges. Some were quite
successful and lasted; others faded long before the turn of the
century. This cartridge size originated in about the mid-to-late
1860s and over time a great many lengths were tried and, of
course, chambered in rifles still encountered today. The most
successful of these is their 3-inch version. Bullet weights run
from 340 to 440 grains, and the charge was from 123 to 142
grains of blackpowder. Around the beginning of the smokeless
era, Westley Richards came out with two versions of this cal¬
iber, one 3-inch, and the other in a shorter case, both called
their Long Range cartridge. They utilized heavier bullets and
either light charges of cordite or heavy blackpowder loads.
General Comments The blackpowder 500 was popular in India
as a good general-purpose firearm, but was not highly regarded
in Africa. This cartridge is similar to the 50-140 Sharps. It would
be adequate for any North American big game. Late loadings
used smokeless powder, but delivered the same ballistics as the
original blackpowder load. There is a variety of bullet moulds
available today that will make just about any of the 500 BP car¬
tridges work.
500 Nitro For Blackpowder Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
400 SP FL¬
AW ME
1900 3530
Source
Factory load
500 Nitro Express
(3" and 3V 4 ")
Historical Notes The 500 Nitro Expresses were derived from
what were originally blackpowder cartridges. The smokeless ver¬
sions were introduced in the 1890s. A 570-grain bullet is used in
both case lengths, and ballistics are about identical. The longer
case works at a bit lower pressure. There were loadings utilizing
a 480-grain bullet and slightly reduced charges of cordite.
General Comments The 500 NE was considered a real killer
on practically anything. John A. Hunter, who did game control
work for the Kenya Game Department for 26 years considered it
his favorite. His book Hunter is recommended reading for those
who enjoy good firsthand experience as a guide to African shoot¬
ing. The 500 Nitro resembles the 50-140 Sharps. This caliber is a
favorite of well-known African professional hunter (PH) Mark
Sullivan.
500 Nitro-Express (3", 3VQ Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
-j 70SP _1_ 2150 5850 Factory smokeless load
Historical Notes The 577/500 No. 2 Express is another black¬
powder cartridge. It was introduced sometime before 1879. It
resembles the 577/500 Magnum Nitro Express, but has a shorter
case and is not interchangeable. There were a number of different
cartridges bearing the 577/500 designation, though thankfully
not as many as with the 500/450. This one has a 3-inch case, and
there was a version an eighth of an inch longer. Both were loaded
with black and nitro for black, and the longer version became a
full nitro load. Bullet weight in this caliber varied from 300 grains
up to 570, with corresponding variances in blackpowder charge,
ranging from 130 to about 160 grains. At one time, it was loaded
in Germany as the 12.7mm British No. 2.
General Comments The 577/500 No. 2 Express was popular in
India for shooting thin-skinned game such as tiger. The black¬
powder and nitro for black versions were not popular in Africa as
they were not powerful enough for general use there. Bullet
diameter is nearly the same as the old 50-caliber Sharps car¬
tridges and Lyman moulds in various weights will work for cast
bullets. Keep smokeless loads on the light side as these old rifles
don’t take kindly to high pressures.
500 No.2 Express (577/500) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV
300 lead FL 1 870
340 lead FL 1925
ME Source
2340 Factory load
2800_Factory blackpowder load
336 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
577/500 SVs" Nitro Express
Historical Notes This evolved from a blackpowder cartridge
based on the 577 case necked to 50 caliber. It looks like, but is not
the same as, the shorter 577/500 No. 2 Express, being about an
eighth-inch longer. It enjoyed moderate popularity. The full nitro
load utilized cordite with a 570-grain cupro-nickel bullet.
General Comments This caliber was more popular in India
than Africa. It would be more useful for general big game
hunting than any of the more powerful “elephant” cartridges
of the same caliber. It would be adequate for deer, bear, elk or
moose at moderate ranges and would be fine for woods hunt¬
ing. The old 45-70 military round is considered capable of
killing any American game at short range, and it only devel¬
ops 2000 ft.-lbs. of muzzle energy. The 577/500 is a good deal
more potent than that.
577/500 Magnum Nitro Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
440 lead
Axite 58
Nitro for blackpowder
570 FMJ
Cordite
Nitro factory load
505 Gibbs (505 Rimless)
Historical Notes The 505 Gibbs was introduced in 1911 as a pro¬
prietary cartridge by Gibbs for use in Mauser-type bolt-action maga¬
zine rifles. Rifles in 505 Gibbs were imported by American dealers
and used to a limited extent here. A few custom-built rifles for the 505
were also turned out by American gunmakers. Most of these big-bore
nitro cartridges were developed around 1910 and this one was still
available until quite recently. Bullets and brass are still available and
a few Ruger M77 Expresses have been rebarreled to this round.
General Comments When the first of the 505 rifles showed up
in the U.S., there were all kind of stories floating around about
the horrendous recoil. Several individuals were alleged to have
suffered broken shoulders or collarbones as the result of firing
them. This nonsense made “heroes” out of those who fired these
guns and survived, but hardly contributed to the popularity of the
cartridge. The English must have more sturdy frames than we
because none of them appear to have fractured anything. The 505
is slightly less powerful than the 500 Jeffery, but both have an
edge over the 458 Winchester. The 505 Gibbs is considered ade¬
quate for anything in Africa and has a good reputation against
elephant, buffalo and lion.
505 Rimless Magnum (Gibbs) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
525 SP_FL_2300 6190 Factory load
500 Jeffery
Historical Notes The 500 Jeffery was a proprietary cartridge
developed by Schuler in Germany for bolt-action rifles. It was also
adopted by Jeffery for his bolt-action magazine rifles based on the
Mauser action. It has a rebated, or undercut, rim of smaller diam¬
eter than the base to fit the standard-diameter Mauser bolt face.
In Germany, the same cartridge was loaded as the 12.7x70mm
Schuler and also chambered in Mauser-type rifles.
General Comments The 500 Jeffery is similar to the 505 Gibbs,
but it has a shorter case and is loaded to higher velocity and ener¬
gy. The 500 Jeffery was designed to provide the man who preferred
the repeating rifle with the same killing power as some of the pop¬
ular rimmed double rifle cartridges. The 500 Jeffery is the most
powerful cartridge used in any of the British magazine rifles. The
500 Jeffery is considered adequate for large or dangerous African
game under any condition. It is also quite accurate, and a good shot
who can handle the recoil can get 100-yard groups of 2 inches. Most
shooters claim the apparent recoil of500 Jeffery magazine rifles is
less than that of similar-caliber double rifles.
500 Rimless Jeffery Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
535 _ FL _ 2400 _ 6800 British factory load
577 Snider (14.7 mm) See Chapter 7.
8th Edition 337
Chapter 8
577 BP Express
2 V 2 ", 23 / 4 ", 3" and 3'U"
Historical Notes The 577 Expresses began in about 1870 with
the 2 V 2 -inch version. Its predecessors were, of course, the 577
Snider variants which date from 1866. Numerous shorter coiled
brass and drawn brass 577-bore cartridges were developed, but
the best were the Expresses, specifically those which lasted long
enough to become nitro cartridges. The shortest of these is the
2 3 / 4 -inch version. Bore size evolved into .585-inch diameter, and
the best Express bullets weighed about 520-650 grains. The
charge was 135 to 190 grains of black.
General Comments All of these were for use on the heavier
non-dangerous game, though as happens, some hunters used
them against tigers and lions with varying success. There was a
great variety of bullets available, and success was directly tied
into utilizing the proper bullet.
577 Nitro Express
23/ 4 ", 3" & 31 / 4 "
Historical Notes These were all originally blackpowder car¬
tridges, but when loaded with cordite and proper bullets became
some of the best real stoppers for dangerous game. All three orig¬
inated around the turn of the century. The short case and the 3 V 4 -
inch shell were overshadowed by the 3-inch version.
General Comments The 577 enjoyed a great reputation as an
elephant killer and was a standard caliber found in any battery of
African rifles. It was popular with professional ivory hunters for
close cover work. Many claim it is superior to the 600 Nitro
because it gave greater penetration. Rifles for the 577 could be
made a few pounds fighter than the 600-caliber guns, which also
contributed to its popularity. Cartridges of this size were usually
for emergency use under difficult conditions. Most hunters used
fighter rifles of smaller caliber for ordinary shooting, but had the
big 577 as a backup. Rifles for the 577 weighed 13 pounds or
more, and that’s a lot of weight if you have to carry it very far at
the ready. Gunbearers usually carried the heavy guns until need¬
ed, but not because the British were lazy. An exhausted man just
can’t handle a rifle of such heft and weight in a pinch.
577 Nitro Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
750SP, FMJ FL 2050 7010_Factory load
600 Nitro Express
(2.8" and 3")
Historical Notes The 600 in either length was the largest and
most powerful of the English cordite elephant cartridges until
1988. These were introduced by Jeffery before 1901. The 2.8-inch
version came out in 1899. The 600 is of original design and is not
based on any earlier blackpowder cartridge. It was used in single
shot and double rifles. Despite its reputation, only a small number
of guns have been made in this caliber. In the early 1990s, Heym of
Germany introduced the Magnum Express bolt-action rifle in this
caliber. Components for reloading are available from Barnes,
Huntington, Old Western Scrounger, Bertram, and Woodleigh.
General Comments At one time the 600 Nitro Express was the
most powerful commercial rifle cartridge in the world, but now the
700 Nitro Express overshadows it. The 600 was designed to deliver
the maximum possible stopping power against elephant under the
most difficult and dangerous conditions. Even professional ivory
hunters considered it overpowered for anything but emergency use.
It is said that a head shot on an elephant that missed the brain
would still knock him down for a considerable length of time. John
Taylor says up to 30 minutes. Rifles for the 600 usually weighed 16
pounds or more. There were at least three loadings for the car¬
tridge—at 2050,1950 and 1850 fps. It is necessary to use the load
the rifle is regulated for or the two barrels won’t shoot to the same
point of impact. The 2.8-inch version of 1899 may have only been a
developmental stage of this outstanding big cartridge.
600 Nitro-Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
900 SP, FMJ Cordite 120 2050 8400 Jeffery factory load
900 SP, FMJ Cordite 110,100 1950,1850 7600, 6840 Standard factory load
338 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes The 700 Nitro Express is a new cartridge, an
original design, not based on altering the caliber or configuration
of an already existing cartridge. It was developed in 1988 by Jim
Bell, of Bell Basic Brass (formerly Brass Extrusion Laboratories,
Ltd.), and WiUiam Feldstein of Beverly Hills, California. It was
chambered in a limited number of double rifles made by Holland
& Holland. It came about because Mr. Feldstein wanted H&H to
build him a 600 Nitro Express. They refused because they had
already completed their official last 600 some years ago and were
not interested in reviving the caliber. Bell and Feldstein then
decided to approach H&H on the possibility of building a series of
rifles in a new caliber, something completely different from any¬
thing previous. Since they were looking for a big-bore cartridge,
there was really only one way to go, and that was up. Thus the
700 Nitro Express was bom. According to Jim Bell, the 700 is
based on scaling up the old 600 Nitro using a totally new case,
not only of larger diameter but also a full V 2 -inch longer. The bul¬
let is a true .700-inch diameter and weighs 1000 grains. It is
planned to sell a series of cased cartridges for collectors. Rifles are
very, very expensive.
General Comments A 700-caliber bullet weighing 1000 grains,
with a muzzle velocity of 2000 fps generates a muzzle energy of
8900 fpe. This is certainly the most powerful sporting cartridge in
the world. The Taylor Knockout Value is 200. It will, of course, be
more than adequate for any game animal found anywhere on this
planet. For those who insist on the biggest, this is it. The 700
H&H double rifles for this cartridge are very lively and handy,
not at all cumbersome. They are fully usable, if costly, tools.
700 Nitro Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
1000 SP, FMJ
FL
2000
8900
Factory load
Gauge Rifles
WHAT I HAVE called the gauge-rifles are from 12- to 4-
bores, though a few 2-bores have appeared. These are
rifles of full weight and power, rifled through and through,
and originally were blackpowder cartridge guns intended
for use against large and dangerous game.
4-Bore
The bore designation indicates the number of bore-size
lead balls to the pound, hence the 4-bore would nominally
accept a round ball that weighed a quarter pound, or 1750
grains. In actuality, the brass-case 4-bore was loaded with
a round ball of about 1250 grains weight, or with a blunt
or conical bullet that weighed about 1880 grains. The usu¬
al power charge was 12 to 14 drams (325 to 380 grains) of
blackpowder. Muzzle velocity was from 1300 to 1500 fps.
Some 4-bore cartridges were loaded with up to 70 grains of
cordite.
The 4-bore saw some use in Africa before the turn of
the century, and in India for tiger shooting as recently as
1920. Typical 4-bore rifles weigh from 20 to 25 pounds.
There is still quite a bit of interest in them, and at least
one outfit is making new double and single shot 4-bore
rifles today. Variances in brass length were from about
3 V 2 inches up to the 4V4-inch version pictured here.
8 -Bore
The 8-bore was more popular than the 4 because rifles
for it could be built fighter. Typical 8-bores weigh about 15
to 16 pounds, hence were much handier and easier to use.
Performance was not far behind that of the 4-bore either.
Typical loads are a 1250-grain conical bullet at about 1500
fps, or a spherical ball of 860 grains at 1650 fps. Case
length is from 3 to 3 V 2 inches. The powder charge was
about 10 to 12 drams (270 to 325 grains) of blackpowder.
8th Edition 339
Chapter 8
Gauge Rifles
There was also a Paradox-type 8-bore cartridge that
had lighter loadings. The Paradox was a Holland & Hol¬
land invention, which featured rifling in the choke area of
its otherwise smooth barrels. These were also sometimes
known as ball and shot guns, though some makers used
that name for smoothbores that had no rifling in the
chokes. Numerous makers turned out variations on this
theme, and gave them highly individual names. Eight-
bore Paradoxes were a bit lighter than fully rifled guns
and were thus handier still. The 8-bore Paradox was more
of a big game weapon, while the 10-and 12-bore Paradox¬
es were more like heavily-loaded shotguns, and used only
occasionally for big game.
10-Bore
Ten-bore rifles were also taken against dangerous
game, and were, like the bigger ones, also loaded with det¬
onating shells and/or lead-covered steel bullets for maxi¬
mum penetration and performance. Here again the
Paradoxes were popular and efficient, and a common load
used a 700-grain ball in front of a 5 dram charge for 1300
fps. The full rifle load would give over 1600 fps to the same
ball or about 1500 fps to a somewhat heavier conical.
12-Bore
The 12-bore rifle saw lots of service against big game,
but this size cartridge was probably most commonly seen
as a Paradox load, either round ball or conical. In this
guise it was quite popular. The 12-bore Paradox worked
well on medium-size game and was useful with shot loads
for filling the pot with birds and small game. Most 12-bore
Paradox-types weighed from 7 to 8 pounds. In a fully rifled
arm the weight would be over 10 pounds and the load sig¬
nificantly more powerful. Case length for fully rifled arms
goes from 1.8 inches up to 2 3 / 4 inches. The 1.8-inch car¬
tridge is pictured here with a fully rifled lOV^pound dou¬
ble 12-bore in the writer’s collection, made by James
Erskine in approximately 1865-1870. The cartridge fires
a 540-grain hardened lead round ball.
The gauge-rifles were either single shot or double rifles.
These evolved from muzzle-loading firearms of similar
bore size, and while the rapid-fire capability of these early
breech-loaders must have been a boon to the early explor¬
ers and hunters, it was no panacea.
The usual lead bullet’s performance was such that it
wasn’t a good idea to take head shots on elephant. The
skull of that beast consists of honeycombed cellular bone,
and a lead ball could not be counted on to penetrate that,
much less stay on course and find the brain. Shots to the
head that missed the brain had little or no effect on the
elephant, so the usual and much surer target was the
body. A 4-bore ball through the heart would kill the ele¬
phant, but apparently not very quickly, as may be deter¬
mined from the writings of many early African hunters.
The gauge-guns have a fascination matched by few other
British or other sporting firearms. Their cartridges are inter¬
esting and greatly varied, well worthy of study, collecting or,
if we are lucky enough to find a suitable rifle, shooting.
The 8-bore was probably the best of
the dangerous game gauge rifles. Its
conical bullet (above) weighs 1250
grains. At left is a 12-bore double rifle
by Erksine for the 1.8-inch cartridge.
The bar-action locks are non-re¬
bounding, and the firing pins are
sprung. It features steel barrels with
Henry rifling, and shoots extremely
well. Circa 1865.
340 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
BRITISH SPORTING RIFLE CARTRIDGES
Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless
Dimensional Data
Cartridge
Case
type
Bullet
dia.
Neck
dia.
Shoulder
dia.
Base
dia.
Rim
dia.
Case
length
Ctge
length
Berdan
Primer
Size (in.)
Kynoch
Primer
no.
297/230 Morris Short
A
.225
.240
.274
.294
.347
0.58
0.89
.177
69
297/230 Morris Long
A
.225
.240
.274
.295
.345
0.80
1.1
.177
69
297/230 Morris Extra Long
A
.223
.240
.274
.296
.248
1.125
1.45
240 Magnum Flanged
A
.245
.274
.402
.448
.513
2.50
3.25
.217
81
240 Magnum Rimless
(240 Apex)
E
.245
.274
.403
.450
.467
2.49
3.21
.217
81
242 Rimless
C
.253
.281
.405
.465
.465
2.38
3.20
.217
59
244 Magnum (H&H)
E
.244
.263
.445
.508
.532
2.78
3.58
.217
60
246 Purdey
A
.253
.283
.401
.474
.544
2.32
3.03
297/250 Rook
A
.250
.267
.294
.295
.343
0.82
1.1
.177
69
255 Rook
A
.255
.274
.328
.344
.401
1.17
1.43
.162
256 Gibbs Magnum
E
.265
.298
.427
.473
.476
2.17
3.04
26 Rimless BSA
C
.267
.306
.445
.513
.530
2.39
3.24
.217
59
275 Rigby (7x57)
C
.284
.324
.428
.474
.475
2.24
3.07
.217
275 Belted Magnum
E
.284
.325
.454
.513
.532
2.50
3.42
.217
81
275 Flanged Magnum
A
.284
.318
.450
.510
.582
2.50
3.26
.217
275 No. 2 Magnum
(7mm Rigby Mag.)
A
.284
.315
.406
.456
.524
2.49
3.24
.241
34
280 Flanged (280 Lancaster)
A
.287
.316
.423
.535
.607
2.60
3.62
.217
60
280 Ross
G
.287
.317
.404
.534
.556
2.59
3.50
.217
59
280 Jefferv (33/280 Jeffery)
C
.288
.317
.504
.542
.538
2.50
3.45
.217
59
300 (295) Rook
B
.300
.317
—
.319
.369
1.17
1.42
.177
69
300 Sherwood
B
.300
.318
—
.320
.370
1.54
2.02
.177
69
300 Belted Magnum (300 H&H)
E
.308
.338
.447
.513
.530
2.85
3.60
.217
60
30 Flanged Magnum (30 Super)
A
.308
.338
.450
.517
.572
2.93
3.69
303 British
A
.312
.340
.401
.460
.540
2.21
3.09
375/303 Westley Richards
A
.311
.343
.390
.457
.505
2.50
3.36
303 Magnum
C
.312
.345
.462
.530
.557
2.35
3.25
310 Cadet
B
.324
.320
—
.353
.405
1.12
1.72
.177
69
318 Rimless Nitro Express
C
.330
.358
.445
.465
.465
2.39
3.40
.217
81
333 Jeffery Rimless
C
.333
.359
.496
.540
.538
2.48
3.48
.217
59
333 Jeffery Flanged
A
.333
.356
.484
.544
.625
2.50
3.49
.317
33 BSA (33 Belted)
E
.338
.369
.453
.534
.534
2.40
3.10
.217
59
400/350 Rigby
A
.358
.380
.415
.470
.520
2.75
3.60
.241
34
350 Rigby Magnum
C
.358
.380
.443
.519
.525
2.75
3.60
.241
34
350 No. 2 Rigbv
A
.358
.380
.415
.470
.520
2.75
3.60
.241
34
360 No. 5 Rook
B
.362
.375
—
.380
.432
1.05
1.45
360 Express (2V 4 ")
B
.365
.384
—
.430
.480
2.25
3.00
.241
34
360 Nitro (2V 4 ")
B
.365
.384
—
.430
.480
2.25
2.80
.241
34
400/360 Nitro Exp. (23/ 4 ")
A
.358
.375
.437
.470
.590
2.75
3.59
.241
360 No. 2 Nitro-Express
A
.367
.393
.517
.539
.631
3.00
3.85
.254
40
375 Flanged Nitro (2V 2 ")
B
.375
.397
—
.456
.523
2.50
3.10
.217
34
400/375 Belted Nitro
Express (H&H)
E
.375
.397
.435
.470
.466
2.50
3.00
.217
375 Rimless NE (9.5x57)
369 Purdey
A
.375
.398
.475
.543
.616
2.69
3.60
.254
40
375 Flanged Magnum
A
.375
.404
.450
.515
.572
2.94
3.80
.217
40
375 Belted Magnum
E
.375
.404
.440
.464
.530
2.85
3.60
.217
60
380 Short
B
.375
.379
—
.380
.430
.600
1.11
380 Long (Rifle)
B
.375
.379
—
.380
.430
.965
1.33
.177
69
400 Purdey (3”)
B
.405
.427
—
.469
.516
3.00
3.60
.241
34
450/400 (23/ 8 ")
A
.407
.427
.456
.545
.616
2.38
2.95
450/400 Nitro Express (3V 4 ")
A
.405
.432
.502
.544
.615
3.25
3.85
.254
40
400 Jeffery (450/400 3 ')
A
.410
.434
.518
.545
.613
3.00
3.75
.254
40
404 Jeffery (404 Rimless)
C
.422
.450
.520
.544
.537
2.87
3.53
.217
81
416 Rigby
C
.416
.445
.539
.589
.589
2.90
3.72
425 Westley Richards
1
.435
.456
.540
.543
.467
2.64
3.30
_
500/450 No. 2 Musket
A
.458
.486
.535
.576
.658
2.36
2.90
500/450 No. 1 Express
A
.458
.485
.530
.577
.660
2.75
3.38
.241
31A
450 Nitro Express (3V 4 ")
B
.458
.479
—
.545
.624
3.25
4.11
.254
40
500/450 Magnum Express*
A
.458
.479
.500
.570
.644
3.25
3.91
.254
40
450 No. 2 Nitro Express (3V 2 ")
A
.458
.477
.518
.564
.650
3.50
4.42
.254
40
450 Rigby
B
.458
.475
.539
.589
.589
2.90
3.80
500/465 Nitro Express
A
.466
.488
.524
.573
.650
3.25
3.89
.254
40
470 Nitro Express
A
.475
.500
.528
.572
.646
3.25
4.00
.254
40
8th Edition 341
Chapter 8
BRITISH SPORTING RIFLE CARTRIDGES
(Continued)
Berdan Kynoch
Case
Bullet
Neck
Shoulder
Base
Rim
Case
Ctge
Primer
Primer
Cartridge
type
dia.
dia.
dia.
dia.
dia.
length
length
Size (in.)
no.
475 Nitro Express (3V 4 ")
B
.483
.502
—
.545
.621
3.25
4.00
.254
40
475 No.2 Nitro and Jeffery
A
.489
.510
.547
.576
.666
3.50
4.33
.254
40
476 Nitro Express (W-R)
A
.476
.508
.530
.570
.643
3.00
3.77
.254
40
500 Express (3")
B
.510
.535
—
.580
.660
3.01
3.39
.251
31A
500 Nitro (3")
B
.510
.535
—
.580
.660
3.00
3.80
.251
31A
577/500 No. 2 Express
A
.507
.538
.560
.641
.726
2.83
3.40
.251
31A
577/500 3V 8 " Nitro Express
A
.508
.526
.585
.645
.717
3.13
3.74
.251
31A
505 Gibbs
C
.505
.530
.588
.635
.635
3.15
3.85
.254
40
500 Jeffery
1
.510
.535
.615
.620
.575
2.75
3.47
.254
40
577 Nitro Express (3")
B
.584
.608
—
.660
.748
3.00
3.70
.254
40
600 Nitro Express
B
.620
.648
—
.697
.805
3.00
3.68
.254
40
700 Nitro Express
B
.700
.728
—
.780
.890
3.50
4.20
—
—
A-Rimmed, necked; B-Rimmed, straight; C-Rimless, necked; E-Rimless, belted;
G-Semi-rimmed, bottlenecked; l-Rimmless, rebated (rim smaller than head).
Unless otherwise noted, all dimensions are in inches.
*The 500/450 Magnum Express and 500/450 x 3V 4 " NE have the same dimensions
342 Cartridges of the World
British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
Exterior Ballistic Data for British Centerfire Rifle Cartridges
Cartridge
Bullet
weight
(grs.)
Powder
weight
(grs)
Velocity (ft./sec.)
Muzzle 100yd. 200yd.
Energy (ftTIb.)
Muzzle 100yd.
200yd.
Drop (in.) 1
100yd. 200yd.
297/230 Morris Shorts
37L
5 BP
875
720
63
43
15.0
297/230 Morris Long 2
37L
55 BP
1200
920
760
120
70
48
15.0
71.0
240 Magnum Flanged
100CP
38V 2 NC
2800
2570
2355
1740
1470
1230
2.3
10.0
240 Magnum Rimless
100CP
40V 2 NC
2900
2665
2445
1870
1580
1330
2.2
9.2
242 Rimless Nitro Exp.
100CP
42 NC
3000
2740
2490
1970
1635
1355
2.0
8.6
244 H&H Magnum (Belted)
100CP
74 NC
3500
3230
2970
2725
2320
1980
1.6
5.1
246 Purdey
100
40
297/250 Rook
56L
8 BP
1150
940
805
165
110
80
15.5
70.0
255 Jeffery Rook
65
9 BP
256 (6.5mm) Mannlicher
160SN
36 NC
2350
2045
1765
1960
1490
1110
3.4
15.5
256 Gibbs Magnum
145
35C
2300
2000
1725
1880
1420
1060
3.6
16.0
275 Rigby (7x57)
173SN
40C
2300
2015
1765
2040
1560
1200
3.9
16.0
275 No. 2 Magnum
140CP
43 NC
2900
2705
2515
2620
2280
1970
2.2
9.0
275 H&H Magnum (Belted)
160CP
52 NC
2700
2505
2320
2600
2230
1920
2.5
10.5
275 H&H Magnum Flanged
160CP
49 NC
2650
2450
2184
1867
280 Flanged Magnum Nitro Exp.
160HP
52 NC
2600
2300
2020
2400
1880
1450
2.8
12.0
280 Ross Rimless Nitro
160HP
54 NC
2700
2395
2110
2600
2040
1580
2.6
11.5
280 Jeffery (33/280)
140CP
57 NC
3000
2870
2735
2800
2555
2390
2.1
10.0
300 (295) Rook
80L
41/2 CH
1100
915
785
215
150
110
16.5
75.0
300 Sherwood
140L
8V 2 CH
1400
1195
1060
610
445
350
9.9
44.0
300 H&H Magnum
180SN
55 C
2750
2430
2130
3020
2360
1815
2.8
12.5
30 Super Flanged H&H
180SN
50 C
2575
2309
2653
2131 '
30 Purdey Flanged Nitro
150SN
42NC
2700
2385
2090
2430
1900
1460
2.6
11.5
303 British (Mark 6)
215S
31 C
2050
1855
1670
2010
1650
1330
4.4
19.0
303 British (Mark 7)
174S
37 C
2450
2250
2055
2320
1960
1640
3.0
13.0
303 British
150 CP
38 C
2700
2465
2240
2440
2030
1680
2.5
11.0
375/303 W-R (303 Axite)
225
41 AX
303 Magnum
175 SN
53 NC
310 Cadet
120L
6 CH
1200
1010
890
385
270
210
14.0
62.0
318 Westley Richards
250SN
52 NC
2400
2040
1715
3200
2320
1640
3.3
15.0
333 Jeffery
300SN
65 NC
2200
1950
1720
3230
2540
1980
3.9
17.0
33BSA
165
60 NC
400/350 Rigby
310SN
43 NC
2150
1900
3180
2480
4.7
20.0
350 Rigby Magnum Rimless
225SN
65 NC
2625
2307
3440
2657
350 No. 2 Rigby Flanged
225SN
55 NC
2600
3400
360 No. 5 Rook
134
15 BP
360 Nitro Exp. 2V 4
300SN
30 C
1650
1490
1355
1820
1480
1210
6.9
29.0
360 2V 4 " Nitro for Black
190 CT
22C
1650
1285
1070
1150
700
485
7.6
36.0
400/360 Purdey Flanged
300SN
40 C
1950
1776
2537
2102
400/360 Westley Richards
314SN
41 C
1900
1724
2520
2072
360 No. 2 Nitro Exp.
320 SN
55 C
2200
1999
3442
2845
369 Purdey Nitro Exp.
270SN
65 NC
2500
2135
1800
3760
2740
1950
3.1
14.0
375 Flanged Nitro Exp.
270SN
40 C
2000
1735
1405
2400
1810
1190
4.9
22.0
375 Rimless Nitro (9.5x57 MS)
270SN
43 C
2100
1870
2640
2100
400/375 Belted
270
43 C
375 Flanged Magnum Nitro
235CP
61 C
2800
2495
2215
4100
3260
2560
2.4
10.5
375 Flanged Magnum Nitro
270SN
59 C
2600
2280
1980
4060
3120
2360
2.8
12.5
375 Flanged Magnum Nitro
300SN
56 C
2400
2105
1825
3850
2960
2220
3.3
14.5
375 Belted H&H Magnum
270SN
61 C
2850
2325
2020
4220
3250
2450
2.9
12.0
375 Belted H&H Magnum
300SN
60 C
2500
2200
1915
4170
3230
2450
3.0
13.5
380 Long Rifle
124
4RN
400 Purdey 3"
230
47 C
450/400 (23/ 8 ") Nitro Express
400
43 C
450/400 3” (400 Jeffery) Nitro Exp.
400SN
60 C
2100
1845
1610
3920
3030
2310
4.3
19.0
450/400 3V 4 " Nitro Exp.
400SN
60 C
2150
1890
1650
4110
3180
2420
4.1
18.0
450/400 ( 31 / 4 ") BPE
270
110 BP
404 Jeffery
400SN
60 C
2125
1885
1670
4020
3160
2480
4.2
18.0
416 Rigby
410SN
69 C
2371
2110
5100
425 Westley Richards
410SN
65 C
2350
5010
500/450 No. 1 Musket
450
70 BP
500/450 No. 2 Musket
540
90 BP
450 3V 4 BPE
365L
120 BP
1700
1510
2240
1570
450 3 V 4 Nitro for B.P.
365CT
52 C
2100
1809
3578
2655
450 3V 4 Nitro Exp.
480SN
70 C
2150
1900
1665
4930
3860
2960
4.1
18.0
500/450 (3V 4 ) BPE
365
140 BP
500/450 ( 3 V 4 ) Nitro for BP
365
60C
500/450 (3V 4 '0 Nitro Exp.
480SN
75 C
2175
1987
5050
4220
450 Rigby
480
450 No. 2 Nitro Exp.
480SN
80 C
2175
1904
5050
3900
577/450 Martini-Henry
480L
85 Blk
1350
1210
1110
1950
1560
1320
10.0
44.0
577/450 Martini-Henry Nitro for Black
480L
48 C
1350
1210
1110
1950
1560
1320
10.0
44.0
500/465 H&H Nitro Exp.
480SN
75 C
2150
1830
1620
4930
3580
2800
4.1
18.5
470 Nitro Exp.
500SN
75 C
2150
1890
1650
5140
3980
3030
4.1
18.0
475 3V 4 Nitro Exp.
480SN
75 C
2175
2000
1830
5040
4260
3580
4.2
18.0
475 No. 2 Nitro Exp.
480SN
85 C
2200
1925
1680
5170
3960
3020
3.9
17.0
475 No. 2 Jeffery
500SN
85 C
2150
1880
1635
5140
3930
2970
4.1
18.0
476 Nitro Exp.
520SN
75 C
2100
1925
1760
5085
4295
3585
4.6
20.0
500 Blackpowder Exp.
440CT
142 Blk
1925
1585
2800
1900
500 Nitro for B.P. Exp.
440CT
55 C
1900
1570
1290
3530
2410
1630
5.5
25.0
500 Nitro Exp.
570SN
80 C
2150
1890
1650
5850
4530
3450
4.1
18.0
577/500 No. 2 BPE
380
130 BP
577/500 (3V 0 ) Nitro Express
570
505 Gibbs
525SN
92 C
2300
6180
500 Jeffery
535SN
95 C
2400
6800
577 Snider
480L
70 Blk
1250
1055
940
1670
1190
940
13.0
57.0
577 (3") BPE
570
167 BP
577 (3") Nitro for Black
570
75 C
577 3" Nitro Exp.
750SN
100C
2050
1795
1570
7010
5380
4110
4.5
20.0
600 Nitro Exp.
900S
110C
1950
1650
1390
7600
5450
3870
5.1
23.0
700 Nitro Exp.
1000S
180
2000
1700
1430
8900
6419
4542
5.5
24.0
ABBREVIATIONS AX—Axite L—Lead
BP or Blk—Blackpowder NC—Nitro-Cellulose
C—Cordite RN—Revolver Neonite
CN—Cadet Neonite S—Solid (Jacketed)
CP—Copper Point SN—Softnose
CT—Copper Tube
NOTE: ’Drop is computed from horizontal line of departure for the bullet.
8th Edition 343
Chapter 9
EUROPEAN SPORTING RIFLE
CARTRIDGES
(Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless)
EUROPEAN sporting cartridges are, at least nowa¬
days, better known than those of British origin. Euro¬
pean armsmakers are well represented by a world-wide
distributing system and they advertise what they
make. Their products are also manufactured for a mass
market at a price that places them within economic
reach of hunters who could not possibly afford a fine
British double gun.
The Mauser and Mannlicher turnbolt systems have
been the backbone of European sporting rifle manufac¬
ture since the 1890s, long before American companies
adopted the type. Because they are intended for the
same type of rifle, there is great similarity between
many modern European and American cartridge
designs. We have borrowed freely from each other and it
is often difficult to tell who originated what. Continental
gunmakers have also produced very fine handcrafted
double rifles and combination guns as good as anything
turned out by the British. Unfortunately, there has
always been a certain prejudice against double rifles not
made in Britain. This resulted because some cheap rifles
of this type were turned out on the continent that simply
did not measure up to the required high standards. The
Austrians and Germans, on the other hand, developed
the drilling or combination gun—the over/under rifle-
shotgun—to a greater extent than anyone else. These
are multi-purpose firearms that feature various combi¬
nations of rifled tubes and shot barrels. When it comes to
a truly all-round gun, nothing is superior to a good com¬
bination gun.
Sporting arms have been manufactured all over
Europe, including Russia, and guns from the latter coun¬
try are, today, less rare outside the Soviet bloc than they
once were. The Japanese have, for many years, been mak¬
ing superb firearms, many of them now being sold by their
own marketing arms here in the U.S. Some of our old line
companies with a tradition as American as Yankee Doodle
have been, for years, selling guns under their own names
that are actually made in Europe or Japan.
European sporting ammunition originates mostly in
Italy, Austria, Germany, Finland, Sweden, and Britain.
The first successful smokeless powder was developed by
the French chemist, Vieille, in 1885 and adapted to the
8 mm Lebel military cartridge. Commercial manufacture
of ammunition started in Germany during 1856 when
Heinrich Utendoerffer founded a plant to make percussion
caps and later primers. By 1871 he was turning out
Berdan-primed centerfire cartridge cases for the Bavari¬
an Werder rifle. This enterprise later grew into the great
Rheinisch- Westfafllishe- Sprengstoff-AG, or RWS, as we
know it today. Early cartridges or cases made by the firm
have “H. Utendoerffer” stamped into the head, sometimes
with raised letters. The non-mercuric, non-corrosive
primer was developed by RWS in the 1920s under the
trade name “Sinoxid.” Deutsche Waffen und Munitions-
fabriken (DWM) is another important German firm that
is, unfortunately, no longer in the commercial ammo busi¬
ness. Hirtenberger-Patronenfabrik, located near Vienna,
Austria, was one of the world’s largest munitions makers
until destroyed during WWII. Organized in 1860 by the
Mandl brothers, it has been razed several times by fire
and acts of war. The company has started production
again and has once more become an important source of
sporting ammunition. Norma Projektilfabrik manufac¬
tures sporting ammunition and components in Sweden.
Its products have been exported to the U.S. since shortly
after the end of WWII. Norma makes the Weatherby line
of brass cases and also more popular American and Euro¬
pean calibers. The firm of G. Roth manufactured a large
variety of sporting ammunition, but did not survive
WWII. Lapua of Finland exports to the U.S. as does Fioc-
chi of Italy and Eley of Britain.
European cartridges, with few exceptions, have a met¬
ric caliber designation, usually expressed in millimeters.
One millimeter equals .03937- inch, or 1-inch equals 25.4
millimeters. Metric cartridge designation is really quite
simple, once you understand it. The first figure is the cal¬
iber, the second the case length. An R indicates a rimmed
344 Cartridges of the World
case, its absence a rimless one. The designer’s or manu¬
facturer’s name may be tacked on the end. Some confusion
surrounds two different 8mm cartridges. The original
8 mm (7.92) German military cartridge adopted in 1888
had a .318-inch diameter bullet. So did 8mm sporting
rounds of the same period. However, in 1905 the cartridge
was altered to use a .323-inch diameter bullet by the Ger¬
man Army, and shortly thereafter 8mm sporting calibers
also reflected the change. The old diameter is indicated by
a J (actually the old German letter form for “I,” and stand¬
ing for “Infanterie”) and the new one by an S. For exam¬
ple, the 8x57J has a .318-inch bullet and the 8x57S (or JS)
the .323-inch bullet. If there is an R in it any place it indi¬
cates a rimmed shell. It won’t hurt anything but accuracy
to use the .318-inch bullet in a .323-inch bore, but it might
blow up the gun to do the opposite. The proper caliber is
always on the box and usually the cartridge head. Read
the label! Modem rifles are practically all chambered for
the S (.323-inch) caliber. Europeans used single shot and
combination guns that extract better with a rimmed case,
so they have a rimmed version of almost all popular rim¬
less cartridges. Ballistics and case dimensions are usual¬
ly—but not always—identical.
European arms and ammunition firms seized upon
many American and British cartridges over the years, but
they never took to the British belted-type case as we did.
The 22 WCF (5.6x35R), 22 Savage HP (5.6x52R), 25-35
(6.5x52R) and 30-06 (7.62x63) are popular in Europe and
listed in late catalogs. The 30-30 WCF is also popular, but
they don’t currently load it. Cartridges of 6mm- and 7mm-
caliber were highly developed in Europe long before they
became popular here. The 8mm is to the European what
the 30-caliber is to the American, and consequently they
have a large variety of cartridges in this caliber, some of
advanced design. The 8x68S, for example, is a magnum
round more powerful than the 300 Weatherby or the 300
Winchester Magnum.
German Mauser system bolt-action rifles once compet¬
ed with the more expensive British rifles for African hunt¬
ing. They developed some pretty potent cartridges for
dangerous game, but currently use American or British
magnum cartridges. They’ve revived few of their African
calibers since the War.
European centerfire ammunition of modem production
by RWS, Norma, Hirtenberger, IMI, Fiocchi, Lapua, and
Sako are designed for Boxer primers. RWS still offers nine
different types of Berdan primers as well as Boxer types to
satisfy the needs of reloaders. Ammunition for obsolete
caliber rifles is a problem, but available metric or Ameri¬
can brass in some instances can often be reformed to work
satisfactorily.
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
European hunting is quite different from what we are
used to, with regard to both game and method. They don’t
have really dangerous game, although the wild boar can be
a rough customer under certain conditions. Conservation
is highly developed and the shooting of game very selec¬
tive. Weeding out old or undesirable animals is as impor¬
tant as collecting a trophy. In most countries one must
pass a rigid course in gun handling and hunting knowl¬
edge before being eligible for a permit or license. The Ger¬
man test is especially difficult. Also in Europe there is no
wide-open hunting. One must get permission or make
advance arrangements and a guide of some sort is usually
required. Several varieties of deer are hunted, ranging in
size from a 40-pound or so roebuck to the hirsch or red
stag, almost as large as an American elk. The chamois, a
prime trophy, is present in the higher mountainous areas.
Small game is also hunted, mostly hare, and there is good
bird shooting. They do not indulge in formal varmint hunt¬
ing, although I understand pest shooting has developed
some following. Along open fields, long shots are not
unusual, but great velocity and flat trajectory are not as
important as in some areas of western North America.
Great knockdown and killing power is not required for
European hunting, and their cartridges reflect this. The
more popular hunting calibers develop from around 2000
fpe to not much over 2500 fpe, while the trend in the U.S. is
toward energy in excess of3000 fpe. The Germans once did
a great deal of social target shooting, and many older car¬
tridges originated for this. The schuetzen, or free rifle,
arrived here with German immigrants and was highly
popular off and on from about 1850 to 1920—its heyday
the 1890-1910 period. Many of our cartridges and bolt-
action rifles reflect European ideas and design.
Although more information is available on European
cartridges than British, the same problem exists in
attempting to establish the exact dates of introduction. The
author sent letters to the principal European manufactur¬
ers requesting such information, but in many instances
records no longer existed. Old catalogs and books were of
considerable assistance and, if nothing else, a general peri¬
od has been indicated. We know that most blackpowder car¬
tridges originated in the 1870s and ‘80s and early
smokeless numbers after 1885. Some cartridges were
designed for a specific rifle, and knowing the date the rifle
was introduced gives a pretty good idea of when the car¬
tridge originated. Individual gunmakers or small compa¬
nies operated during fixed dates and their designs can often
be approximately dated on that basis. Again, if the reader
has specific information of this nature and finds what he
believes to be an error in dating, let us know. This way, cor¬
rections or new data can be included at a future time.
8th Edition 345
Chapter 9
5.6x33mm Rook
5.6x33Rmm Rook
Historical Notes These two cartridges are identical except one
is rimless, the other rimmed. They date back to around 1900 or
earlier and were originally loaded with blackpowder. Both have
been obsolete since about 1936. Like the British, the Germans
had a series of rook (a form of crow), or parlor cartridges, for
short-range target practice or small game shooting. These were
listed in catalogs as for Tesching Gewehre, i.e., small game or
rook rifles. Although popular in Europe, they were not used to
any extent elsewhere.
General Comments When Winchester introduced the 22 WCF
in 1885, it not only replaced most other 22 centerfires in the U.S.,
but also in Europe. The 5.6x33 is of similar performance and was
probably made obsolete by the 22 WCF. Both are strictly small
game or target cartridges. The Winchester round is still loaded in
Europe, where it is known as the 5.6x35R Vierling. The 5.6x33
was also listed as the 5.7x33. These are said to be for single shot
rifles, but must have also been used in repeating rifles. In the
rimless version? The rimless 5.6x33 bears some resemblance to
certain modem wildcat 22 rounds based on necking-down the 30
U.S. carbine.
5.6x33mm Rook, 5.6x33Rmm Rook Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
60 Lead 2400 5 *1600 *343 Lyman #225462GC
65 Lead FL *1500 *327
‘Velocity and energy approximate only.
5.6x35Rmm Vierling
22 Winchester Centerfire
Historical Notes This is the European, or metric designation,
for the 22 Winchester Centerfire introduced in 1885 and picked
up by European gunmakers a year or so later. It was loaded to
much higher velocity there than in the U.S., thus providing the
inspiration for the 22 Hornet, which is based on the same case.
Single shot, combination and repeating rifles of European manu¬
facture have been chambered for the 5.6x35R Vierling.
General Comments The 5.6x35R (22 WCF) is a popular small
game and target round in Europe. Although originally a black-
powder number, the Germans adapted it to smokeless powder
and stepped up the velocity long before we did. As loaded in
Europe, it is a good 100- to 150-yard small game or target car¬
tridge. The 5.6x35R Vierling can easily be formed from 22 Hornet
cases.
5.6x35Rmm Vierling (22 Winchester Center Fire) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
48 SP
2400 8
2120
480
Lyman #225414
39 SP
FL
1940
325
RWS factory load
39 SP
FL
2630
600
RWS factory load
46 SP
FL
2030
418
RWS factory load3
346 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
5.6x35Rmm/22 Hornet See Chapter 2.
5.6x50mm Magnum
5.6x50Rmm Magnum
Historical Notes Most authorities agree that the 5.6x50mm Mag¬
num was developed by DWM in cooperation with Friedrick W. Heym,
a noted German gunmaker, and was introduced in 1968 or 1969. It is
an offshoot of the 5.6x47R, which is basically a rimmed version of the
222 Remington Magnum, dating back to about 1967. However, the
5.6x50mm case is .118-inch longer than the 222 Remington Magnum
and has greater powder capacity, resulting in a higher muzzle veloci¬
ty. The rimmed version was intended for use in single shot, combina¬
tion guns and drillings, the rimless cartridge for bolt-action rifles.
Neither is very well known or used to any extent in the U.S.
General Comments In Germany, the 5.6x50mm was used for
deer hunting and was loaded with a bullet designed for that pur¬
pose. In the U.S. it would be primarily a varmint cartridge.
Where more power than the 222 or 223 Remington is desired,
most Americans would opt for the 22-250 Remington or the 220
Swift because both rifles and ammunition are available here on
an over-the-counter basis. Loading dies for the 5.6x50mm are
available from RCBS, Forster/Bonanza, and Lyman. RWS and
Hirtenberger still offer 5.6x50mm Magnum ammunition.
5.6x50mm Magnum, 5.6x50Rmm Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
50 SP
IMR 3031
28.5
3400
1284
Homady
50 SP
W748
29.5
3500
1360
Hornady
55 SP
IMR 4064
27.5
3300
1330
Homady
55 SP
W748
28.5
3300
1330
Hornady
60 SP
IMR 4064
27.0
3200
1360
Hornady
50 SP
FL
3590
1430
Factory load—5.6x50mm
50 SP
FL
3510
1365
Factory load—5.6x50mm
55 SP
FL
3280
1310
Factory load—5.6x50Rmm
5.6x52Rmm/22 Savage H-P See Chapter 3.
5.6x57mm RWS
5.6x57Rmm RWS
Historical Notes The 5.6x57mm was introduced by RWS about
1964 as a cartridge for hunting deer and chamois. Germany has a
law that requires a minimum remaining energy level at 200
meters in order for a cartridge to be legal for taking these ani¬
mals. The 5.6x57mm was designed with this in mind. It is also
loaded with a properly-designed bullet for these larger animals.
There is also a rimmed version.
General Comments The 5.6x57mm is in about the same class as
the 220 Swift and as loaded in Europe would probably do very well
for American deer or antelope. However, it would be classed as a
varmint cartridge here. It is a good cartridge, but the difficulty of
finding ammunition would rule out any great popularity in this
country. The twist used in rifles of this caliber is 1 in 10 inches as
opposed to the standard 1 in 12 to 1 in 14 inches used by U.S. gun-
makers. The cartridge also has an unusually thick neck which
allows the use of 22 rimfire adapter units, but presents problems to
the handloader. It is manufactured by RWS and by Hirtenberger.
Factory ballistics of both the 5.6x57 and 5.6x57R are identical.
5.6x57mm, 5.6x57Rmm RWS Loading Data
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
50 SP
IMR 4320
40.0
3900
1689
Homady
55 SP
W760
42.5
3800
1764
Homady
55 SP
IMR 4350
41
3700
1672
Homady
55 SP
IMR 4320
39
3790
1758
Homady
60 SP
IMR 4320
38.5
3700
1824
Homady
74 SP
RL-22
43.0
3400
1890
55 SP
FL
3510
1505
Hirtenberger factory load
74 SP
FL
3410
1910
RWS factory load
8th Edition 347
Chapter 9
5.6x61 mm Vom Hofe
Super Express
5.6x61 Rmm Vom Hofe
Super Express
Historical Notes These two calibers were introduced in 1937 by
E.A. Vom Hofe for his hne of German-made Mauser-action
express rifles. Some were exported to the U.S. between the wars.
They were re-introduced by Stoeger Arms Corp. in 1962. The new
rifles were based on the Swedish Husqvama-Mauser action. Both
the rimless and rimmed version were listed in late DWM cata¬
logs. Dimensions and ballistics are identical; they differ only in
the rim.
General Comments The 5.6x61 Vom Hofe came out 2 years
after the Winchester 220 Swift. It is one of the very few ultra¬
velocity 22 cartridges developed in Europe. Bullet diameter is
identical to the 22 Savage Hi-Power but the standard bullet is 10
percent heavier. The 22 Savage has remained popular in Europe
and is still loaded there. Velocity is close to the 220 Swift, and
with its 77-grain bullet, the 5.6 is much more effective on deer-
size animals. By American standards it would he considered a
long-range varmint cartridge, but in Europe it is looked on as a
proper caliber for deer or boar. If the bullet is designed for the job,
there is no reason why it wouldn’t be entirely effective for use in
open country. The heavier bullet should also have superior wind
bucking ability at long range. The 5.6 bears some resemblance to
the 228 Ackley Magnum, which is made from the necked-down,
shortened 30-06 case. Although neither caliber is now loaded in
Europe, new empty brass is available from Old Western
Scrounger and from Huntington’s Sportsman Supply. Bullets are
available from both sources and from Homady.
5.6x61 mm, 5.6x61 Rmm Vom Hofe Super Express Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
70 SP
IMR 4895
37
2800
1215
RWS
77 SP
H870
61
3460
2050
RWS
87 SP
IMR 4350
52
3310
2110
RWS
77 SP
FL
3708
2350
Obsolete RWS factory load
(very optimistic)
77 SP
FL
3480
2070
Obsolete RWS factory load
6x29.5Rmm Stahl
Historical Notes This is a small, 6mm, rimmed cartridge for
single shot and combination guns that dates back prior to 1900. It
was originally a blackpowder number for guns made by B. Stahl
of Suhl, Germany. It has been obsolete for a long time and is
largely a collector’s item.
General Comments This cartridge resembles the 25-20 WCF,
but has a smaller diameter lead bullet. It is entirely a small
game, plinking or target round. Ammunition could probably be
made from 25-20 brass, although the rim would have to be turned
down to proper diameter. Factory ballistics are unknown, but
should be similar to the 25-20-86 blackpowder load.
6x29.5Rmm Stahl Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV
85 Lead 2400 7 1460
ME Source
405 Lyman #245496
6x57mm Mauser
Historical Notes This is a little-known German cartridge that
dates back to around 1895. Physical measurements indicate it is
the 6.5x57 Mauser necked-down to 6mm. The 6.5, in turn, was
based on the 1893 7x57 Mauser necked-down. Now this is a very
interesting situation because it means the 6x57 is practically
identical to the modem 244 Remington. The two differ only by a
minor variation in the shoulder angle. The 244 Remington is the
257 Roberts necked down to 6mm (244) with the shoulder angle
increased from 20 degrees, 45 minutes to 26 degrees. The com¬
mercial 257 Roberts was originated by necking-down the original
7x57 Mauser without other notable changes. By a long and devi¬
ous process, different individuals and companies arrived at prac¬
tically the same point, but at different times. It just goes to prove
that there is very little new under the sun. For all practical pur¬
poses, the 244 Remington originated, or existed, before the turn of
the century!
General Comments Records of ballistics or what specific rifle
the 6x57 was used in are lacking. However, two bullet weights
were available a 120-grain softpoint and a 123-grain hollowpoint.
Considering the time and powders available, the muzzle velocity
was probably in the vicinity of 2600 fps. This would be a fine deer,
antelope or black bear cartridge. Standard ballistics are not
known and no loading data duplicating the origianl loads has
been developed.
348 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
6x58mm Forster
6x58Rmm Forster
Historical Notes These two cartridges are identical except that one
is rimless and the other rimmed. They were introduced about 1904
and have been obsolete for a good many years. Physical measurement
indicates this round is based on the 6.5x58 Mauser necked-down. It is
listed as for the Forster (forester) stalking rifle. It apparently was used
in both bolt-action and single or combination guns.
General Comments The rimless version of the 6x58 closely
resembles the 244 Remington, although they differ in shoulder
angle and length of the neck. Available ballistics list a 127-grain
bullet, but at one time a 119-grain and a 123-grain were also
available. Performance is a little below the 243 Winchester, but
with modem powders and a strong bolt action one could undoubt¬
edly equal the 243 or the 244 in any given bullet weight. This
would be a good deer-class or possibly elk cartridge. Ammunition
could be made by necking-down 6.5x58 cases for the rimless ver¬
sion, but the rimmed type would be a problem.
6x58mm Forster, 6x58Rmm Forster Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
105 SP
108 Lead
127 SP
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
IMR 4320 35
2750
1762
IMR 3031 24
2200
1165
FL
2788
2176
Source
Lyman #245499GC
Factory load
244 Halger Magnum
Historical Notes Although this cartridge has an English caliber
designation, it is a 6mm magnum that originated in Germany. It
was introduced in the 1920s by Halger Arms Co. of Hamburg*
The originators were named Halbe and Gerlich, and the Halger
was formed by combining the first three letters of each name. The
case is rimless (actually no more than the 6.5x57 case) for use in
Mauser bolt rifles, but there were some rimmed cases also made.
General Comments The velocity of the 244 Halger is impres¬
sive, at least on paper. However, the Halger line of cartridges
turned out to be somewhat overrated when tested here. Regard¬
less, this would still be a highly-effective cartridge even if veloci¬
ty was a couple of hundred fps below that claimed. An 87-grain
bullet would be mostly for varmint shooting, but heavier bullets
could be handloaded for deer or larger animals. In size and gen¬
eral performance, it is similar to the wildcat 6mm Krag, the old
30-40 Krag military cartridge necked-down. Bullet diameter is
.243-inch so any 6mm bullet would be suitable for handloading
with proper data.
♦See “Halger and His Rifles” by Phil Sharpe (Gun Digest, 7th ed.).
244 Halger Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
90 SP IMR4350 47 3270 2142
105 SP IMR4350 44 3020 2130
87 SP FL 3770 2745
Source
German factory load (optimistic)
6x62mm Freres
6x62Rmm Freres
Historical Notes This is a recent German development by Met-
allwerk Elisenhutte GmBH (MEN). While it appears to be based
on the 30-06, in fact the base diameter is greater and the 6x62
cannot be made from 30-06 brass. The 6x62 is the first new 6mm
cartridge developed in Europe for many years. It is almost
unknown in the U.S.
General Comments What we have here is a super or magnum
6mm suitable for all types of small and medium game at long
range. The 6x62mm offers more performance than the 243 Win.
or 6mm Rem. and requires a long action to accommodate its
length. For U.S. hunting conditions, the 100-grain SP bullet load
should be selected.
6x62mm Freres Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
85 SP
FL
3460
2260
MEN factory load
100 SP
FL
3313
2442
MEN factory load
8th Edition 349
Chapter 9
General Comments This is a Soviet designed rimmed sport¬
ing cartridge used mostly in Finland based on the 7.62x54Rmm
Russian cartridge necked-down to 6.5mm (.264-inch). A 150-
158-grain bullet was used. The original purpose of this cartridge
was for 300-meter and biathlon competition. It is no longer in
production.
General Comments An obsolete cartridge for single shot and
combination guns, the 6.5x40R case has considerable body taper.
The Germans used a number of cartridges in varying calibers and
lengths with a case of similar design. They were all blackpowder
cartridges, and while one or two made the transition to smoke¬
less powder, most were discontinued after WWI or by the end of
the 1920s. Standard ballistic data is unavailable.
6.5x40Rmm Loading Data
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs.
100 SP 2400 5
MV ME Source
1200 324 Lyman #245498GC
General Comments A short, rimmed, bottlenecked car¬
tridge that looks like the 25-20 WCF, the 6.5x27R is fatter and
shorter. Performance is practically the same as with the 86-
grain loading of the 25-20. The 6.5x27R was listed as the kal.,
6.5mm Einzelladerbiichse which literally means caliber 6.5
single-loading gun.* It was used mostly in low-priced single
shot guns, but apparently also in some combination guns. It
dates back to the 1890s or earlier and has been obsolete for a
long time.
*Actually, what is meant is a cartridge that is “single loaded” by the shoot¬
er, using powder charges contained in paper envelopes or closed tubes.
RWS for one, offered these for the 8.15x46R cartridge (in the 1934 period),
loaded with a variety of powders and in a choice of weights.
6.5x27Rmm Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
86 SP
2400 7
1425
394
25-20 bullet
86 SP
IMR 4227 9
1500
434
25-20 bullet
82 SP
FL
1570
465
Factory load
6.5x52Rmm (25-35 Winchester)
General Comments The same as the 25-35 WCF, this load was Germany for many years. European loading was practically iden-
used in European single shot and combination guns. It is not list- tical to that used by U.S. ammunition companies,
ed in the latest RWS catalogs although it has been popular in
6.5x52Rmm (25-35 Winchester) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME
117 SP FL 2230 1285
Source
RWS factory load
350 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
6.5x48Rmm Sauer
General Comments An obsolete blackpowder cartridge devel- have also been furnished with smokeless powder. It is entirely a
oped tor use in Sauer-made single shot and combination guns. target or small game number.
Because some samples have jacketed softpoint bullets, it must
6.5x48Rmm Sauer Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
120 lead
IMR 4198 12
1260
428
126 lead
FL
1155
378
Source
Lyman #266455GC
Blackpowder factory load
6.5x54mm MS
6.5X54R MS
See Chapter 7.
6.5x53Rmm Mannlicher See Chapter 7.
6.5x53.5mm Daudeteau
General Comments A collector’s item today, this semi-rimmed
type was introduced originally as a military cartridge for the
French Navy in 1895. It was used in the Daudeteau military bolt-
action rifle but there was also commercial ammunition made.
Rifles and ammunition are quite rare, and you are not likely to
have one to hunt with. If you do, it would probably be satisfacto¬
ry for anything up to deer. According to Sr. Aivaro Casal, this car¬
tridge was adopted by Uruguay in 1895 and used until 1898.
6.5x53.5mm Daudeteau Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV
150 SP FL 40 2395
ME Source
1922 Factory load
6.5x58Rmm Sauer
General Comments Longest of the rimmed, tapered 6.5 car¬
tridges developed for the Sauer-made single shot and combina¬
tion guns, also some Mauser repeating rifles. The others were the
6.5x40R and the 6.5x48R. All have the same type of tapered case.
The 6.5x58R, the most popular, is not currently loaded or listed in
recent RWS catalogs. It is a little less powerful than the 25-35
WCF and by American standards would be underpowered for
deer-sized animals.
6.5x58Rmm Sauer Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
120 Lead
4198 15
1480
588
Lyman #266455GC
120 Lead
4895 21
1650
730
Lyman #266455GC
127 SP
3031 24
2100
1288
RWS bullet
127 SP
FL
2020
1140
Factory load
8th Edition 351
Chapter 9
6.5x54mm Mauser
Historical Notes This is one of the shortest of the Mauser rimless
necked cases and was introduced around 1900. It was chambered
mostly in the K Model (Kurz) or short-action carbine. The deluxe
type M sporter was also available in 6.5x54. The Mauser cartridge
was gradually displaced by the more universally-popular 6.5x54
Mannlicher-Schoenauer. It was once listed in DWM catalogs.
General Comments In both appearance and performance, the
6.5x54 Mauser is similar to the Mannlicher round. They are suit¬
able for the same general size and type of big game. Mauser rifles of
this caliber were imported into the U.S. until WWII. The case has
a shorter body of slightly larger diameter than the 6.5 Mannlicher.
Ammunition can be made by reforming and trimming 308 Win¬
chester or 300 Savage brass. One can use the same loading data as
for 6.5 Mannlicher with very similar results, but maximum loads
should be reduced 3 or 4 grains when using home-swaged cases.
These will be heavier and have less capacity than the original.
6.5x54mm Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
120 SP IMR4895 36 2500 1665
119 SP FL 2362 1468 DWM factory load
Historical Notes This Danish target cartridge was developed
in 1933 by necking-down the 8mm Model 89 military round. It is
used in single shot match rifles based on the Krag-Jorgensen
action. Its use is confined almost entirely to Denmark.
General Comments The 6.5-caliber is popular in the Scandi¬
navian countries for target and hunting use. This particular
round was designed to adapt the local military rifle to that cal¬
iber without altering the action in any way. By retaining the
same rimmed case only a new barrel is required. Rifles for this
special cartridge are quite rare in the U.S. However, if you can
find the now-obsolete Norma 8x58R Danish Krag cases with Box¬
er primers you can neck these down to make ammunition. This
would make a good deer cartridge.
6.5x58Rmm Krag-Jorgensen Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
140 SP IMR 4350 46 *2500 *1935
139 SP FL *2500 *1930 Factory load
'Velocity and energy approximate only.
6.5x55mm Swedish See Chapter 2 and Chapter 7.
6.5 x 65Rmm RWS
6.5x65mm RWS
Historical Notes Developed by RWS about 1988, this is the first
new European 6.5mm cartridge in many years. Basically it is a 6.5-
06 based on the venerable 30-06 case. A rimmed version is offered
for single shot and combination guns. RWS is the only manufacturer.
General Comments Ballistic performance of this modem
6.5mm is superior to most European 6.5mm cartridges and in the
same class as the 6.5mm Rem. Magnum. It would be a good
choice for small and medium game at long range. While the
fighter weight bullets are popular for European hunting, Ameri¬
can shooters should select the heavier bullet.
6.5x65mm, 6.5x65Rmm RWS Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
108 SP FL 3460 2260 RWS factory load
127 SP FL 3313 2442 RWS factory load
352 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
6.5x57mm Mauser
6.5x57Rmm Mauser
Historical Notes The 6.5x57 Mauser was developed about
1893-94 as a necked-down version of the 7x57 Mauser. Listed as
a hunting cartridge, it was never adopted as an official military
cartridge by any power. However, it undoubtedly influenced the
design of many of the 6.5mm military cartridges such as the
6.5x55 Swedish and 6.5x68 Portuguese. The three have similar
dimensions and performance, but are not the same and cannot be
interchanged. The rimmed version is used mostly in combination
guns. Both are listed in late RWS and Hirtenberger catalogs.
General Comments As a commercial cartridge, the 6.5x57
has not been widely used in the United States, although Ger¬
man-made rifles in this caliber have been imported. On the oth¬
er hand, several virtually-identical wildcat numbers have
enjoyed limited popularity. These are based on either necking-
down the 7x57 case or necking-up the 257 Roberts case. The two
cases are similar except for shoulder angle and length. The fun¬
ny thing is that several individuals claim to have “invented” the
wildcat version, not knowing that Paul Mauser beat them to it
100 years ago. There are a number of chamber configurations
used in making up wildcat versions of the 6.5x57, and few, if
any, will interchange. Immediately after WWII, a number of
Japanese 6.5mm Arisaka military rifles were rechambered to
handle various 6.5/257 or 6.5/7mm wildcat cartridges. However,
this is a tricky thing that should be checked out by a gunsmith
before actually doing any shooting. Better safe than sorry. It
should be noted that the 6.5x57mm cases made from these by
simply renecking will not headspace properly and will create a
dangerous headspace condition.
6.5x57mm Mauser, 6.5x57Rmm Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
129 SP
IMR 4350
44.5
2800
2246
Homady
140 SP
IMR 4350
43.5
2700
2267
Homady
160 SP
IMR 4350
41.5
2500
2221
Homady
93 FMJ
FL
3320
2255
RWS factory load
96 FMJ
FL
3290
2290
Factory load
119 SP
FL
2821
2097
Factory load
123 SP
FL
2683
1967
Factory load
127 SP
FL
2850
2290
RWS factory load
154 SP
FL
2670
2435
RWS factory load
157 SP
FL
2450
2080
DWM factory load
6.5x58mm Portuguese See also Chapter 7.
General Comments The 6.5x58 Portuguese (used in the Por¬
tuguese Mauser-Vergueiro rifle) is often confused with the 6.5x57
Mauser. Performance is about the same, but they are not inter¬
changeable and the 6.5x57 was never adopted as a military round
by anyone. There is also a 6.5x58R Sauer and a 6.5x58R Krag-
Jorgensen, all different.
6.5x61 mm Mauser
6.5x61 Rmm Mauser
Historical Notes Developed by DWM for various German-made
Mauser action rifles the 6.5x61 was introduced in the 1930s. There
is also a rimmed version for single shot and combination guns. It
was only moderately popular and has not been revived so far.
General Comments The 6.5x61 is very similar to the 256 New¬
ton. According to the late Phil Sharpe,* it was developed after
RWS had imported and tested a 256 Newton rifle. Performance is
similar and 256 loading data could be used as a starting point for
working up hand loads. The 6.5x61 would be adequate for most
North American game under proper conditions.
*Op cit.
6.5x61 mm, 6.5x51 Rmm Mauser
Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
120 SP
4831 55
2860
2180
140 SP
4350 50
2640
2170
119 SP
FL
3090
2510
139 SP
FL
2906
2596
157 SP
FL
2749
2617
8th Edition 353
Chapter 9
6.5x68mm Schuler
6.5x68Rmm
Historical Notes Developed by RWS about 1938-39, from necked-
down 8x68S cases. It was originally chambered in German-made
Mauser-action rifles. However, the Mannlicher-Schoenauer bolt
action was imported by Stoeger in 6.5x68-caliber, and Charles
Leavell of Sumter, South Carolina also brought in 6.5x68 and 8x68
rifles. At one time, the German-made Vom Hofe rifles were available
for this round, and it is on occasion referred to as the 6.5mm Vom
Hofe Express. It is listed in late RWS and Hirtenberger catalogs and
a few American-made custom rifles have been made for it.
General Comments The 6.5x68 is the most powerful of the
many European 6.5mm cartridges. In dimensions and perfor¬
mance it is similar to the 264 Winchester Magnum except the 264
has a belted case. On paper, the 6.5x68 boasts a higher velocity
with the 93-grain bullet than the 264 with the 100-grain. It has
an extremely flat trajectory, but with the light bullet this would
be important mostly for long-range varmint shooting. Arguments
as to which of the two is more powerful are rather academic
because with the same bullet weight, chamber pressure and bar¬
rel length there really isn’t much difference. It is largely a matter
of personal choice and what rifle you prefer. Regardless, the
6.5x68 is a terrific ultra-velocity small-bore cartridge and would
be a good all-round caliber for North American hunting. It is
capable of cleanly killing anything from varmint to grizzly bear if
the hunter does his part and uses the proper bullet.
6.5x68mm, 6.5x68Rmm Schuler Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
87 SP
H-4831
73.0
3700
2710
Hodgdon
120 SP
H-4831
68.0
3300
2980
Hodgdon
140 SP
H-4831
63.0
3000
2800
Hodgdon
93 SP
FL
3950
3180
RWS factory load (optimistic)
123 SP
FL
3450
3255
RWS factory load (optimistic)
140 SP
FL
2920
2651
Hirtenberger factory load
7x33mm Sako
7x33 Finnish
Historical Notes This cartridge was the result of a project to
make use of idle 9x19mm Luger case manufacturing equipment
by adapting it to make the longest case possible. The new case
turned out to be 33mm without major modifications. Necked to the
popular 7mm bore, this resulted in a fine bird hunting cartridge
for the, then new, Model of 1946 short-action Sako bolt-action rifle.
General Comments Ballistically this cartridge has little to
offer. The moderate velocity and lightweight bullet restrict its use
to small game at close ranges. It is well suited to pelt hunting.
Ballistics are similar to the 30 Carbine.
7x33mm Sako (7x33 Finnish) Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
78 SP N-110 16.3 2350 960 Sako
78 SP FL 2400* 998* Factory load
*Estimated
7x72Rmm
Historical Notes A popular, straight, tapered case for single shot
and combination guns, this load was last listed in the 1960 RWS
catalog, however it’s not currently available. Date of origin not
determined, but it is also shown in RWS manuals of circa 1934. Sel¬
dom used in the U.S. except for an occasional combination gun
brought back from Europe. In terms of energy or power, it is in the
30-30 class and would not be satisfactory for anything larger than
deer at short to moderate range. Bullet diameter is standard and
one can use any American-made .284-inch bullets for handloading.
This round has accasionally been loaded as demand dictates.
7x72Rmm Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
139 SP
IMR 4198
23
1850
139 SP
IMR 4198
28
2300
1640
160 SP
IMR 4895
27
1810
1168
139 SP
FL
2440
1835
Factory load
354 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
General Comments An extremely popular sporting round over
much of the world. European loadings are much more diverse and use¬
ful than those provided by American companies. RWS ammunition is
available in the larger cities of the U.S. and many parts of the world.
See Chapter 2 for U.S. and other load data; see Chapter 7 for mil¬
itary load information, and consult the RWS/DWM ballistic
tables for data.
7x57mm, 7x57Rmm Mauser Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
123 SP
FL
2955
2390
RWS factory load
139 SP
FL
2625
2125
RWS factory load
154 SP
FL
2690
2473
RWS factory load
177 SP
FL
2460
2385
RWS factory load
7x64mm Brenneke and
7x65Rmm Brenneke
Historical Notes Developed by Wilhelm Brenneke in 1917 and
used in various Mauser-action sporting rifles. Ammunition is list¬
ed in the current RWS, Norma, Federal and Remington catalogs.
Brenneke never fabricated ammunition because he was a design¬
er and gunmaker, and this task was left to the companies
equipped to turn out commercial ammo. There is a near-identical
rimmed version, listed as the 7x65R, used in single shot or com¬
bination firearms.
General Comments Those who think everything new and
worthwhile always originates as the result of good old Yankee
ingenuity better take a close look at this cartridge. The 7x64 Bren¬
neke is virtually identical to the 280 Remington or the wildcat
7mm-06 and has been around for over 76 years. The base diame¬
ter of the 7x64 is a little smaller than the 280 so they won’t actu¬
ally interchange, but differences are slight. Visibly the only way
an expert can tell them apart without reading the head markings
is by the brass texture or the German-type bullet. The 7x64 Bren¬
neke is adequate for any North American big game with the prop¬
er bullet. In its original form it was loaded with a special bullet
designed by Brenneke called the Brenneke Torpedo. Quite a large
variety of bullet types are offered in each weight to adapt the car¬
tridge to practically any game or shooting situation.
7x64mm Brenneke, 7x65Rmm Brenneke Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
139 SP
IMR 4350
54.5
3000
2810
Homady (7x65R)
154 SP
IMR 4350
52.5
2900
2877
Homady (7x65R)
175 SP
IMR 4350
50.5
2700
2833
Homady (7x65R)
139 SP
FL
2955
2690
Factory load
139
FL
2806
2430
Patronen (Hungarian)
154 SP
FL
2822
2772
Norma factory load
162 SP
FL
2890
3000
RWS factory load
170
FL
2625
2600
Patronen (Hungarian)
173 SP
FL
2790
2990
Factory load
7x75Rmm Vom Hofe
Super Express
class as the 7mm Remington Magnum. It is more than adequate
for North American game. Brass is imported by Old Western
Scrounger.
Historical Notes This big cartridge was introduced by Vom
Hofe about 1939, and is currently loaded by the Walter Gehmann
Co. in Germany. The 7x75R is quite potent, in the same general
8th Edition 355
Chapter 9
Historical Notes This is a rimless 7mm magnum developed for the
post WWII Vom Hofe rifles built on the Swedish Husqvama-Mauser
action. These rifles were first advertised in the U.S. by Stoeger in
1962, but the 7mm Super Express cartridge was introduced in Ger¬
many about 1956. What is apparently the same cartridge has also
been listed as the 7x66 Vom Hofe and also as the 7.6x66 Vom Hofe.
It was once loaded by DWM. E A Vom Hofe has been dead for some
years and the operation was re-activated by Walter Gehmann, once
a world champion rifle shot, although the Vom Hofe name was
retained. Gehmann operates a large gun and sport shop in Karl¬
sruhe, with a branch in Stuttgart. The cartridge he offered differed
somewhat, ballistically and in form, from the pre-war type. The case
is 66mm long, the rim measures .507-inch, the head is .544-inch and
the shoulder mikes .504-inch. Thus it will be seen that the rim diam¬
eter is of the type smaller than the head, a la the 284 Winchester.
The shoulder form is unusual, being of modified venturi-style.
General Comments Ballistics claimed for the 7mm Super
Express are quite impressive. With the 170-grain bullet it beats
out the 175-grain load of the 7mm Remington Magnum by almost
300 fps and the 7mm Weatherby Magnum by 164. Not even some
of the oversized wildcat 7mm magnum cartridges claim such per¬
formance. It makes one wonder what barrel length was used for
the velocity tests. American cartridges are usually chronographed
from 24- or 26-inch barrels, but in Europe they often used a 30-
inch barrel. Regardless, the 7mm Vom Hofe Super Express is as
good as any of the other 7mm magnum types. It would be an
excellent all-round caliber for North American hunting. It would
also do for most non-dangerous African game. It would be at its
best for plains or mountain hunting or anytime long shots
entered the picture. Case capacity is similar to the 7mm Reming¬
ton and Weatherby Magnums.
7x66mm Vom Hofe Super Express Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
130 SP
IMR 4350 68
3350
3250
175 SP
IMR 4350 60
2900
3280
120 SP
FL
3520
3340
Gehmann factory load
123 SP
FL
3640
3630
Factory load
140 SP
FL
3356
3540
Gehmann factory load
169 SP
FL
3300
4090
Factory load
(very optimistic)
170 SP
FL
3052
3540
Gehmann factory load
7x73mm Vom Hofe
■
mm
(Belted)
Historical Notes Developed by E.A. Vom Hofe and his partner
Schnienmann in 1931, this cartridge is unusual in that it has a
belted case, something German designers normally avoided.
Original rifles were based on the Mauser 98 action and made by
the firm of Hoffmann in Berlin. After 1936 Vom Hofe made rifles
in his own name. The 7x73 was not as popular as other of the
Vom Hofe cartridges and manufacture was not resumed after
World War II.
General Comments The 7x73 belted delivered the same ballis¬
tics as the smaller and shorter 7mm Super Express rimless intro¬
duced later. Dimensions of the 7x73 case are close to the 300
H&H Magnum, but the Vom Hofe has a larger base and belt
diameter (about .013-inch greater). It is at least possible that the
7x73 was originally developed by necking-down the full-length
300 H&H case. Some American wildcats, such as the 7mm Mash-
bum (Long) were made much the same way. Velocity must have
been taken in a 30-inch barrel because similar U.S. cartridges
(usually chronographed in 24- to 26-inch barrels) don’t achieve
such velocities with the same weight bullet.
The 7x73 is scarce and practically unknown in the U.S. It
would be entirely adequate for North American big game. In pow¬
er it has a slight edge over the 7mm Weatherby Magnum.
7x73mm Vom Hofe (Belted) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
170 SP FL 3290 4120 Factory load (very optimistic)
356 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes Blaser Rifle Works and RWS cooperated in
developing this new round in 1990. Being rimmed, it is intended
for use in single shot and combination guns. RWS is the only
manufacturer. Note the nomenclature is a combination of Euro¬
pean and U.S. practices.
General Comments Ballistically this new cartridge fills the
slot between the 30-06 and the 300 H&H Magnum. It is suitable
for all types of large North American game. Bullet diameter is
.308-inch. Bullet weights of 150 to 180 grains work best.
30R Blaser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 SP
RL-22
68.0
3069
3110
RWS
180 SP
RL-22
64.0
2870
3290
RWS
220 SP
RL-22
58.0
2481
3008
RWS
250 SP
RL-22
57.0
2335
3026
RWS
150 SP
FL
3085
3165
RWS factory load
180 SP
FL
2820
3190
RWS factory load
7.62x39mm Soviet
Historical Notes The 7.62x39mm has been the official Russian
military cartridge since the end of WWII, although it was actual¬
ly introduced in 1943. The Russians have a new 22-caliber ver¬
sion similar in performance to the 5.56mm NATO (223
Remington), but nevertheless, the 7.62mm remains the most
widely-adopted military cartridge in the world today. Its appear¬
ance here as a sporting cartridge is due mostly to two factors—
the Ruger Mini-Thirty semi-auto rifle and the Ruger M77
bolt-action rifle chamber the 7.62x39mm as do a host of imported
semi-auto rifles. Sporting-type ammunition with softpoint bullets
is generally available from several importers and from American
ammunition companies. Ruger began chambering the cartridge
in 1987. In addition, I understand that some metallic silhouette
shooters are playing around with it. The reader will also find
additional information in Chapter 7.
General Comments The 7.62x39 cartridge has only a limited
sporting potential for North American hunting. Bullet weight
varies from 122 to 125 grains and initial velocity from approxi¬
mately 2250 fps to 2350 fps, depending on what rifle it is fired in.
It is not as powerful as the 30-30 but is effective for deer-size ani¬
mals in close cover. In addition, none of the 7.62x39mm semi-auto
rifles I have tested will do better than 3V 2 - to 4-inch groups at 100
yards, most don’t do that well. This eliminates the 7.62x39 as a
long-range varmint cartridge. Of course, a good bolt-action or sin¬
gle shot rifle will do much better, and the ballistics could also be
stepped up somewhat, but it still wouldn’t be much of a varmint
cartridge beyond 125 yards or so.
Military ammunition for the 7.62x39mm has a bullet diame¬
ter of .310- to .311-inch, which matches the groove diameter of
imported rifles. However, the Ruger Mini-Thirty has a .3085-
inch bore, but I understand it is all right to shoot military
ammunition in it. Imported military ammunition is often
Berdan primed with steel cases and corrosive primers. Howev¬
er, IMI and American manufacturers provide noncorrosive
brass case, Boxer-primed ammunition in both military and
sporting types.
7.62x39mm Soviet Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
123 SP
RL-7
26.5
2400
1574
Homady
123 SP
H-322
28.5
2300
1445
Homady
125 SP
IMR 4227
23
2250
1406
Sierra
125 SP
H-4198
25.5
2200
1344
Sierra
130 HP
IMR 4198
25
2300
1527
Speer
150 SP
IMR 4198
22
2100
1469
Homady
123 SP
FL
2300
1445
Federal factory load
123 SP
FL
2365
1527
Winchester factory load
125 SP
FL
2365
1552
Remington factory load
8th Edition 357
Chapter 9
General Comments This obsolete blackpowder cartridge was
used in single shot and combination guns. It is shown in post-
WWIIRWS catalogs as a discontinued number. It was popular in
its day and rifles of this caliber are common. In power it is similar
to the 32-40 WCF and would qualify as a deer cartridge for short-
range shooting.
8x48Rmm Sauer Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
155 Lead
IMR 4198 18
1500
780
196 SP
FL
1665
1215
Source
Lyman #316475GC
DWM factory load
8x51 mm Mauser
8x51 Rmm Mauser
Historical Notes An 8mm round designed for the K-Model, or
short-action, Mauser rifles. The rimmed version is identical, but
made for single shot or combination guns. Both were introduced in
1888. The rimless cartridge is a shortened version of the German
8x57mm military round developed the same year. It was fairly pop¬
ular, but has been replaced by the 8x56 Mannlicher-Schoenauer.
General Comments The 8x51 Mauser reached its peak popu¬
larity before WWI. It was a favorite in Germany for short-action
rifles and carbines. Mauser Type A, K and M sporters were
imported into the U.S. in this caliber to a limited extent. Ammu¬
nition in shooting quantities is almost impossible to find. In pow¬
er the 8x51 is a 30-30-class cartridge and would be good for
anything up to deer-size animals. For reloading, .318-inch bullets
should be used.
8x51 mm Mauser, 8x51 Rmm Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
125 SP
IMR 4198 30
2370
1560
150 SP
IMR 4064 41
2350
1840
157 SP
FL
2155
1627
Factory load
158 SP
FL
2380
1990
Factory load
196 SP
FL
2099
1887
Factory load
8.15x46Rmm
Historical Notes An old, but popular target cartridge which
was also used for hunting to some extent. Exact date of introduc¬
tion is not established, but it dates back to the period between
1890 and 1900. Single shot, combination guns and repeating
rifles were chambered for the round. It is fisted in current RWS
catalogs. Modem loads have jacketed bullets, usually flat-nose
softpoints, but at one time lead bullets were commonly used. A
variety of diameters were factory offered, designed to fit different
rifles. According to Fred Datig, it was developed by Frohn of Suhl,
Germany. For years it was the cartridge for 200-meter off-hand
target shooting in Germany and Austria.
General Comments The 8.15x46R was practically unknown in
the U.S. until after WWII when returning GIs brought back var¬
ious rifles of this caliber (mostly single shots). Older rifles are
intended for low pressure so one should be careful when hand¬
loading and stick to moderate loads if there is any doubt. Ammu¬
nition can be made from resized or fire-formed 32-40 brass. In
power, the 8.15x46R is comparable to the 32-40. Thus it is a little
underpowered for deer-sized animals but would be fine for any
small to medium game. Brass is available from RWS and is
imported by Old Western Scrounger.
8.15x46Rmm Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
151 SP
IMR 4895 30.0
1900
1240
190 Lead
IMR 3031 23.0
1500
956
Lyman #338237
151 SP
FL
1805
1090
RWS factory load
358 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes Introduced in 1888, this is a shortened ver¬
sion of the 8x51R Mauser round. It is listed as a hunting car¬
tridge and was used primarily in single shot or combination guns.
It has been obsolete for many years.
General Comments The need for a less powerful version of the
8x51R must have been rather limited because the 8x42R was not
nearly as popular as the longer cartridge. In power the 8x42R is
in the same class as the 32-40 WCF and would just about qualify
as a deer cartridge. It would be best for small to medium game at
moderate ranges.
8x42Rmm Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
175 lead
IMR 4227 22
1580
157 SP
FL
1780
ME Source
975 Lyman #319295GC
1110 Factory load
8x57Rmm 360
Historical Notes Based on the 9.3x72R case, this old German
cartridge is a copy of the British 360 Nitro Express No.2. Loaded
first with blackpowder and later with smokeless, a fair number of
combination guns will be found chambered for this round. Bore
diameter is .318-inch.
General Comments Due to the low breech pressure, ballistic
performance of the 8x57R is only moderate. It is suitable for all
types of small and medium game at close range but falls off bad¬
ly at medium ranges. This caliber is now obsolete. For handload¬
ing, use only .318 diameter bullets.
8x57Rmm 360 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
196 SP
RL-19
37.5
1893
1561
RWS
196 SP
IMR 3031
26.0
1560
1059
RWS
196 SP
IMR 4350
37.0
1820
1441
RWS
196 SP
‘Estimated
FL
1800*
1410*
Factory load
8x57Jmm Mauser
Historical Notes Original 8x57 cartridge adopted in 1888 along
with the Model 88 Commission rifle by the German Army. Many
sporting rifles were subsequently chambered for this caliber.
Ammunition is still being manufactured by RWS in Germany.
Bullet diameter is .318-inch. In 1904, the S patrone with a .323-
inch diameter bullet was adopted to replace the I patrone.
General Comments The later 8x57JS uses a .323-inch diame¬
ter bullet and is loaded to higher pressures. Never fire 8x57JS
ammunition in rifles chambered for 8x57J ammunition. Ameri¬
can manufacturers offer only the 8x57JS load, but it is deliber¬
ately loaded down to be safe to fire in 8x57Jmm chambers. The
8x57J would be adequate for any large North American game at
medium ranges. Use only .318-inch diameter bullets. This car¬
tridge is now universally called the 8x57Jmm and has caused
much historical confusion. The German capital I in the German
word Infantry was mistaken by interpreters as a capital J.
8x57Jmm Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 SP
IMR 3031
47.0
2800
2611
RWS
170 SP
IMR 3031
45.0
2600
2552
RWS
196 SP
RL-1550
46.0
2225
2145
RWS
196 SP
FL
2391
2488
Factory load
198 SP
FL
2647
3075
Factory load
8th Edition 359
Chapter 9
8x71 mm Peterlongo
General Comments Johann Peterlongo was an Austrian gun-
maker and designer in Innsbruck. While his products are virtu¬
ally unknown in the U.S., he had a certain following in Europe.
He turned out combination guns and other sporting arms of high
quality. He designed 8mm and 9mm cartridges based on a long
rimless case of necked type. They are of interest mostly to collec¬
tors today. The Peterlongo cartridges were loaded by G. Roth and
Hirtenberger-Patronenfabrik.
8x71 mm Peterlongo Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
200 SP FL *2650 *3132 Factory load
154 FL 2854 2785 1932 Catalog (German)
‘Velocity and energy approx, only.
8x75 mm
8x75Rmm
W
Historical Notes These two cartridges are listed together
because one is a rimmed version of the other. They were intro¬
duced around 1910 and are based on the older 9.3x74R case
necked-down. They were intended to provide a powerful 8mm for
African use. The rimless version was for bolt-action express rifles,
the rimmed for combination guns or single shots.
General Comments At the turn of the century, and until start
of WWI, there was considerable competition between German
and British gunmakers for the African gun trade. The Germans
made good repeating rifles at moderate prices and gained sales
by underselling the British. However, the British seemed to
always keep one jump ahead in the matter of popular cartridge
design. The Germans were constantly trying to come up with
something as good as what the British had to offer. The 8x75 is
one of a number of German efforts to produce an express car¬
tridge of this caliber. Two bullet diameters were used, the earlier
.318-inch and the .323-inch, or S size. The large diameter bullet
should not be used in the smaller bore. Many 8mm cartridges
come in two different bullet diameters. One must be very careful
about this because the large diameter S round is often loaded to
higher velocity and pressure. The 8x75 is in about the same class
as the 300 H&H Magnum and is powerful enough for any North
American big game.
8x75mm and 8x75Rmm Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
180 SP
RL-22 71
2791
3115
RWS
200 SP
RL-22 68
2713
3270
RWS
196 SP
FL
2715
3230
Factory loading for .318" bore rifles
198 SP
FL
3050
4120
Factory loading for S- bore rifles
WARNING! Many J-bore (.318-inch) rifles still exist and will
fire S bore (.323-inch) cartridges, creating dangerous pres¬
sures. When in doubt, check bore diameter CAREFULLY!
8x58Rmm Sauer
General Comments This obsolete blackpowder cartridge
was once used in single shot and combination guns. A popular
Stutzen cartridge in its day, it’s long obsolete. It differs from
the 8x48R only in length. This cartridge is based on the
9.3x72R case and offers similar performance to the 8x57R
360.Power is about the same as the 32-40 WCF, and it could
be used for deer at short range. For reloading use only .318-
inch diameter bullets.
8x58Rmm Sauer Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
196 SP
IMR 4064 34
1942
1642
196 SP
RL-19 39
1877
1533
RWS
196 SP
FL
1690
1248
Factory load
360 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
8x54mm Krag-Jorgensen
Historical Notes A cartridge based on the necked-up
6.5x55mm Swedish-Norwegian military round, the purpose of
this caliber was to provide an 8mm cartridge that would operate
in the 6.5mm Krag-Jorgensen bolt-action rifle used by Norway.
By retaining the original case, this could be done by rebarreling
alone with no alteration of the action or magazine. The 8x54 was
used for target shooting and hunting and is seldom encountered
outside the Scandinavian countries. It is of practically the same
power as the 8x58R Danish Krag military round. It could be used
for almost any North American big game. It is no longer in pro¬
duction and ammunition in this caliber has become a collector’s
item. For handloading, use bullets of .323-inch diameter.
8x54mm Krag-Jorgensen Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 SP
IMR 3031 52
2850
2718
196 SP
IMR 4895 47
2370
2560
196 SP
FL
2295
2300
Factory load
8x56mm Mannlicher-
Schoenauer
Historical Notes Introduced about 1908 for various
Mannlicher-Schoenauer rifles and carbines, the 8x56 became
quite popular and was picked up by other European gunmak-
ers. It was also manufactured for a short time by American
ammunition companies, but no U.S. commercial sporting rifles
were chambered for it.
General Comments The 8x56 Mannlicher has seen only limit¬
ed use in the U.S., although popular in Europe. Ballistically, it is
little more powerful than the 35 Remington. Both shoot approxi¬
mately the same weight bullet at similar velocity. By American
standards it would be a good woods cartridge for deer or black
bear. While it is a good cartridge, it doesn’t offer better perfor¬
mance than available American calibers. Western Cartridge
Company discontinued it about 1938. Bullets of .323-inch diame¬
ter are used for handloading. This cartridge should not be con¬
fused with the 8x56mm Hungarian.
8x56mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
170 SP
IMR 4895 44
2260
1935
200 SP
IMR 3031 40
2050
1875
200 SP
FL
2165
1920
Western factory load
200 SP
FL
2200
2150
Eley-Kynoch factory load
202 SP
FL
2170
2105
RWS factory load
8x57mmJRS Mauser
Historical Notes This is the rimmed version of the 8x57JS Ger¬
man military round for use in single shot and combination guns.
Introduced in 1888 with the .318-inch “J” bullet, it was adapted in
1905 to the larger S-type, or .323-inch diameter bullet corre¬
sponding to a similar change in the military round. Popular in
Europe and listed in the latest RWS and Hirtenberger catalog, it
is seldom seen in the U.S.
General Comments The 8x57JRS gives the same performance
as the Rimless 8x57mmJS Mauser familiar to American shoot¬
ers. It is in the same class as the 30-06 and would do for any
North American big game. RWS and Hirtenberger cases and
ammunition with American Boxer primers are available, but oth¬
er European brand cases are made for the Berdan primer. Be
sure you use the proper bullet diameter for your particular gun.
RWS cartridges for the .323-inch, or S-caliber, have a blackened
primer and a cannelured bullet. Bullet diameters are clearly
marked on the box. The S-caliber is available in heavier loading
and higher velocity than the .318-inch-caliber.
8x57mm JRS Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
170 SP
IMR 4895
49
2650
196 SP
IMR 4064
45
2440
225 SP
IMR 4350
50
2230
170 SP
FL
2591
178 SP
FL
2380
196 SP
FL
2312
227 SP
FL
2130
ME Source
2660 8x57JR (.318" bullet)
2600
2498
2535 8x57JRS (.323" bullet); Hirtenberger factory load
2230 8x57JR (.318" bullet); factory load
2327 8x57JRS (.323" bullet); Hirtenberger factory load
2290 8x57JR (.318" bullet); factory load
8th Edition 361
Chapter 9
Historical Notes Information on the 8x57 is given in Chapters
2 and 7. As a military round, the 8mm Mauser is another casual¬
ty of WWII, replaced by the 30-06 and the 7.62x51mm NATO
round in the West and by the Russian M-43 or 7.62x39mm in the
East. As a sporting round, the 8mm Mauser is still popular and
many rifles of this caliber are around. European sporting loads
put it in the same class as the 30-06, fully capable of handling any
game or situation the 30-06 can. American manufacturers load
this caliber to lower velocity and pressure than European mak¬
ers. Bullet diameter is .323-inch.
8x57mm JS Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 SP
IMR 4064
50
2800
2612
Sierra, Homady
170 SP
H-380
49
2500
2360
Hodgdon, Homady
200 SP
H-205
55
2500
2776
Speer
220 SP
IMR 4064
39
2200
2365
Sierra, Barnes
250 SP
RL-15
42
2250
2811
Barnes
165 SP
FL
2854
2985
Norma factory load
170 SP
FL
2657
2666
Hirtenberger factory load
198 SP
FL
2732
3282
RWS factory load (optimistic)
8x60mm Mauser
8x60RS Magnum
8x60S Magnum
8x60 JR Magnum
Historical Notes The 8x60 (S and RS) was introduced soon
after WWI to replace the 8x57JS in sporting rifles. German civil¬
ians, immediately following the war, were forbidden to own rifles
in the military caliber, yet many did! Converting them to 8x60S
was a simple chamber-lengthening job, not costly, and many were
so-altered, thus could be legally licensed. A few years later, the
8x60 was offered in the old bullet diameter (.318-inch) as well,
probably to add performance to older 8x57J sporting rifles via the
same easy conversion.
General Comments The 8x60mm comes in a confusing variety
of types and loads. Both the rimless and rimmed case are avail¬
able for the .318-inch and S (.323-inch) diameter bullets. There is
a standard and a magnum loading and also one called the Mag-
num-Bombe. Case dimensions are the same, but there is a differ¬
ence in bullet weight and velocity. In the standard load, the 8x60
is almost identical to the 30-06 in power, but the magnum loading
brings it up to the 300 H&H Magnum performance level. It has
sufficient power for North American big game and could be used
for anything the 30-06 can handle. On heavy game such as
moose, elk or grizzly bear, it would have an edge over the 30-06 if
you used the maximum loads available. It is a popular round in
Europe and has been used to some extent in Africa, although
most African hunters don’t consider it any better than the 300
H&H. It is still loaded by RWS.
8x60mm, 8x60S Magnum, 8x60RS Magnum, 8x60JR Mauser
Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
159 SP
IMR 3031 48
2820
2805
196 SP
IMR 4895 49
2570
2875
159 SP
FL
2820
2805
Norma factory load(s)
187 SP
FL
2810
3275
RWS factory load(s)
196 SP
FL
2580
2890
RWS factory load
362 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
8x64mm Brenneke
8x65Rmm Brenneke
Historical Notes The two cartridges were developed by Wil¬
helm Brenneke about 1912 for Mauser rifles and combination
guns. Originally, loaded ammunition was furnished only by
DWM, but RWS made empty cases for Brenneke. Mauser-sys-
tem Brenneke rifles are again available for the 8x64S caliber,
made in Berlin by the original W. Brenneke firm. The 8x64 car¬
tridge is based on the 9.3x62 case while the 8x65R is based on
the 9.3x74R case.
General Comments Like most other 8mm cartridges, the 8x64
and 8x65R are loaded in both the .318-inch J- and the S-, or .323-
inch, caliber. Modem rifles are always chambered for the S-type
bullet. This is a constant source of confusion to Americans who
own or are interested in 8mm rifles. It is also the principal reason
the 8mm-caliber is not popular here because even the sporting
goods dealers don’t want to bother with the two bullet diameters
and the difficulty it causes the average customer. The 8x64S is
very similar to the wildcat 8mm/06 and has plenty of punch for
North American big game.
8x64mm Brenneke, 8x65Rmm Brenneke Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 SP
IMR 4350
60
2770
2560
170 SP
IMR 4064
52
2710
2760
225 SP
IMR 4831
61
2400
2900
225 SP
IMR 4350
57
2450
2955
154 SP
FL
2952
2986
Factory load
185 SP
FL
2890
3420
Factory load
227 SP
FL
2578
3347
Factory load
8x68Smm Magnum
Historical Notes First loaded by RWS in 1938-39 it is still
listed in their latest catalogs as well as Hirtenberger catalogs.
This is one of the most modern and powerful of the 8mm car¬
tridges.
General Comments The 8x68S is in the same class as the 338
Winchester Magnum, although it has a slightly smaller diameter
bullet of less weight. It is powerful enough for the largest and
toughest North American big game and would be superior to the
300 H&H Magnum for African hunting. Some authorities com¬
pare it to the 300 Weatherby or the 300 Winchester Magnum, but
the 8x68S has an edge over both. It is one 8mm that is furnished
only in a single bullet size, the S, or .323-inch. The case dimen¬
sions are similar to the belted 300 Magnums, but the 8x68S is a
rimless cartridge with no belt. It has not been used in the U.S.
very widely to date, but would be popular if more hunters were
familiar with it. It is one of the best European cartridges for all¬
round use in North America. Performance is almost identical to
the 8mm Remington Magnum.
8x68Smm Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
125 SP
W760
81
3500
3401
Homady
150 SP
W760
76
3300
3628
Homady
150 SP
IMR 4350
73.5
3200
3412
Homady
170 SP
IMR 4831
75.5
3100
3629
Homady
170 SP
IMR 4350
72
3100
3629
Homady
200 SP
RL-22
78
2971
3920
RWS (optimistic)
220 SP
IMR 4831
67
2700
3562
Homady
187 SP
FL
3180
4195
Factory load (optimistic)
196 SP
FL
2985
3879
Hirtenberger factory load (optimistic)
200 SP
FL
2985
3958
Hirtenberger factory load (optimistic)
8th Edition 363
Chapter 9
8x72Rmm Sauer
Historical Notes A straight, rimmed case developed by Sauer
& Sohn for use in combination guns, the 8x72R is sometimes list-
ed as the 8x72R S&S. Date of introduction is not established, but
the old DWM case No. 574 would indicate sometime around 1910.
It is currently obsolete.
General Comments The 8x72R was derived from the older
9.3x72R because the principal difference between the two is
caliber. The 8x72R is not necked-down, but tapered down to
the smaller caliber. Late RWS catalogs list it as a discontinued
number. In power, it compares more or less with the 35 Rem¬
ington, although there is no resemblance in appearance. The
8x72R would be useful mostly for woods hunting of deer-size
animals. For reloading, bullets of .323-inch diameter should be
used.
8x72Rmm Sauer Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
150 SP
RL-15
45.0
2334
1815
RWS
170 SP
RL-15
43.0
2240
1810
RWS
210 Lead
IMR 4198
28
1850
1602
Lyman #323471GC
225 SP
IMR 3031
38
1910
1830
227 SP
FL
1900
1825
Factory load
9x71 mm Peterlongo
Historical Notes This obsolete cartridge was developed by the
Austrian gunmaker Johann Peterlongo of Innsbruck. His rifles
have not been made for a good many years and his products are
all but unknown in the U.S. except to cartridge collectors. There
is also an 8x71 Peterlongo cartridge based on this same case. A
227-grain softpoint, round-nose bullet was used in this cartridge,
but factory ballistics and reloading data are unavailable.
9x71 mm Peterlongo Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
184
FL
2575
2710
German 1932 Catalog
9x56mm Mannlicher-
Schoenauer
Historical Notes The 9x56 Mannlicher-Schoenauer was one of
the early cartridges for the Austrian-made Mannlicher-Schoe¬
nauer sporting rifle. The rifle was introduced in 1900 and most of
the original cartridges for it were developed between 1900 and
1910. Catalog reference indicates the 9x56 was added to the line
of available calibers about 1905. Remington loaded this round
until the late 1930s. Modem Mannlicher-Schoenauer sporting
rifles were once chambered for the 9x56. The 9x56 is no longer
loaded in Europe.
General Comments The 9x56 developed a moderate following,
but most hunters preferred the more powerful 9x57 Mauser. The
8x56 Mannlicher is still loaded, and one can make 9x56 ammuni¬
tion by expanding the neck of the smaller caliber brass. The 9x56
is a notch or two above the 35 Remington, but largely a short-
range woods cartridge for deer or possibly elk. It was never very
popular in the U.S. because it had little to offer beyond available
American calibers. However, it is a perfectly good cartridge if you
don’t hunt anything larger than deer and are willing to put up
with the difficulty of trying to find the now obsolete ammunition.
For reloading, use .356-inch diameter bullets.
9x56mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 SP
IMR 3031 40
2110
1980
205 SP
FL
2114
2234
Factory load
245 SP
FL
2100
2400
Eley-Kynoch factory load
280 SP
FL
1850
2128
Remington factory load
364 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
9x57mm Mauser
9x57Rmm Mauser
Historical Notes Shortly after the 8x57 Mauser military round
was introduced in 1888, an entire family of cartridges was developed
on this case length by necking it both up and down. The rimless cas¬
es were used in bolt-action repeating rifles and a rimmed version was
usually made available for combination or single shot guns. The
9x57R is the identical rimmed twin of the above cartridge. This was
a popular round used all over the world and the old Remington Mod¬
el 30 and Winchester Model 54 bolt-action rifles were available in
9x57-caliber. Most American ammunition companies loaded it until
1936-38. It is now obsolete both in Europe and the U.S.
General Comments The 9x57mm Mauser is in the same class
as the 358 Winchester and would be suitable for all North Amer¬
ican big game under most hunting conditions, although it is not a
long-range cartridge. African hunters liked it as a meat getter,
but considered it too light for dangerous game. Velocity is moder¬
ate, but with the proper bullet it penetrates well on thin-skinned
animals. Bullet diameter is .356-inch, but .357- to .358-inch bul¬
lets can be swaged down and used.
9x57mm, 9x57Rmm Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
245 Lead
IMR 3031
38
1950
2075
Lyman #358318GC
250 SP
IMR 3031
44
2260
2980
280 SP
IMR 3031
43
2030
2570
280 SP
IMR 4064
46
2045
2610
205 SP
FL
2423
2682
Factory load
245 SP
FL
2150
2520
Eley-Kynoch factory load
275 SP
FL
1850
2090
Remington factory load
281 SP
FL
1920
2285
RWS factory load
9x70Rmm Mauser
Historical Notes This is the same cartridge as the British
400/360 Westley Richards Nitro Express and has been obsolete
for many years. It originated around 1900 and was picked up by
German gunmakers for Mauser-action and other rifles intended
for the African trade. It was gradually replaced by the 9.3x74R.
General Comments The Germans used a different loading
than the British with a lighter bullet at higher velocity. The Ger¬
man load can be fired in British rifles but is unsatisfactory
because the barrels are not regulated for it. The 375 H&H Mag¬
num retired the bulk of the cartridges in this class, and they are
used mostly in old rifles. The 9x70R would do for any North
American big game, but was not satisfactory as an all-round cal¬
iber in Africa. This is not the same as the 360 No. 2 Nitro. Load¬
ing data unavailable.
9x70Rmm Mauser Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
217 SP
FL
2477
2970
German factory load
314 SP
FL
1900
2520
British factory load
9x63 mm
Historical Notes At one time there was a family of metric car¬
tridges based on the rimless 63mm case length. However, all
these German or Austrian innovations are currently obsolete.
Most of them were introduced after 1905 but little information is
available on them.
General Comments The 9x63 cartridge is interesting because
it is based on the same case length as the 30-06 and is therefore
very similar to the 35 Whelen. It has a slightly longer body length
and more abrupt shoulder angle than the American round, but
other than that there is little difference. Each delivered practical¬
ly identical ballistics. The 9x63 would be a good one for the heav¬
ier varieties of North American big game and many African
species also. Standard .357- to .358-inch bullets can he used for
handloading. Factory ammunition used a 231-grain bullet.
9x63mm Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
231 SP
4320 57
2510
3240
250 SP
4320 56
2390
3180
231 SP
FL
2550*
3336*
Factory load
*Estimated
8th Edition 365
Chapter 9
9.3x72Rmm Sauer
Historical Notes The 9.3x72R Sauer is an obsolete cartridge
developed by Sauer & Sohn for single shot, double and combina¬
tion guns. It is on occasion confused with the 9.3x74R straight
case, but the S&S round has a slight bottleneck. Rifles in this cal¬
iber are scarce, and it is largely a collector’s cartridge. It was
loaded with a 186-grain bullet. Standard ballistics and loading
data not available, however ballistic performance was similar to
the 9.3x72R cartridge.
9.3x53mm Swiss
9.3x53Rmm Swiss
Historical Notes Two cartridges popular in Switzerland for tar¬
get shooting. Rifles of this caliber are rare in the U.S. and the car¬
tridge is of interest mostly to collectors. Factory ballistics place
the two cartridges in the same class as the 35 Remington. They
would do for any game up to and including deer at short to medi¬
um range. They were introduced in the mid-1920s, possibly 1925.
These calibers use .365-inch diameter bullets.
9.3x53mm Swiss,9.3x53Rmm Swiss Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
200 SP
FL
2000
1780
9.3x53mm Swiss factory load
200 SP
FL
2054
1960
9.3x53Rmm Swiss factory load
9.3x57mm Mauser
Historical Notes This is a rimless, necked case and is another
of the cartridges based on the 8x57 Mauser expanded to take
larger diameter bullets. It dates back to 1900 or earlier and was
used in both Mauser and Mannlicher sporting rifles. Except for
the larger diameter bullet, it is nearly identical to the 9x57mm.
The 9.3x57 is not listed in the current RWS catalog, but Norma
makes brass cases and loaded ammunition. Apparently no rifles
are currently made for the round. There is a 9.3x57R that is not
the rimmed version of the above because it has a straight case.
General Comments The 9.3x57 is in the same class as the old
35 WCF or the newer 358 Winchester. It would do for any North
American big game at short to moderate ranges. It would be
good for hunting in brush or heavily-wooded areas. It may also
be listed as the 9.2 Mauser and is often confused with the 9x57
Mauser because they differ only in bullet diameter. To further
complicate matters, there is a 9.5x57 Mannlicher which looks
similar, but is not.
9.3x57mm Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
232 SP
IMR 3031 47
2330
2785
286 SP
IMR 3031 43
2070
2705
286 SP
FL
2065
2714
Norma factory load
9.3x65R Collath
General Comments This is one of a series of obsolete car¬
tridges developed by the European gunsmith whose name
appears with the cartridge. He was active in the early 1900s
and well known in Europe, but his developments are recognized
in the U.S. only by cartridge collectors. This is a rimmed, bot¬
tlenecked case with a long body and short neck. It was loaded
with a 193-grain flat-nose, softpoint bullet. Standard ballistics
are unknown.
366 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
Historical Notes The 9.3x74R is a popular German cartridge for
single shot, double and combination guns. It originated in the ear¬
ly 1900s in answer to the 400/360 Nitro Express, which British
gunmakers developed in various versions. It is quite similar to,
but slightly longer than, the 400/360 Westley Richards, also
loaded and chambered in various rifles by the Germans. The
9.3x74R is listed in the current RWS and Norma catalog. Austrian
and German combination guns are still available in this caliber, as
are barrels for Thompson/Center rifles from SSK Industries.
General Comments A popular round for heavy game, the
9.3x74R is on par with the 375 Flanged Magnum Nitro Express.
It gained a good reputation in Africa for general use against most
game, including elephant. It would be more than adequate for
North American big game. An over/under combination gun of
9.3x74R caliber and a 12- or 16-gauge shot barrel would be a ter¬
rific outfit for the world-wide, one-gun hunter. There isn’t much of
anything, large or small, that it couldn’t handle. For reloading,
.365-inch diameter bullets should be used.
9.3x74Rmm Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
250 SP
H-380
60.0
2400
3198
Barnes
270 SP
IMR 4895
55
2300
3172
Speer
286 SP
IMR 4064
55
2300
3360
Barnes
232 SP
FL
2630
3535
Norma factory load
258 SP
FL
2460
3465
RWS factory load
285 SP
FL
2280
3290
RWS factory load
286 SP
FL
2360
3530
Norma factory load
9.3x62mm Mauser
Historical Notes Developed about 1905 by Otto Bock of Berlin,
a well-known gunmaker, this caliber was introduced to give the
farmers and hunters in the then-German colonies in Africa an
adequate cartridge. It was soon used in Europe on wild boar and
red deer. Mauser sporters were sold in the U.S. in this caliber
until 1940. It is listed in late RWS and Norma catalogs. Browning
and other rifles are available in Europe for this cartridge and
Steyr-Mannlicher rifles are currently so chambered.
General Comments The 9.3x62 is a powerful big game car¬
tridge with a good reputation in Africa and Asia. It is sufficiently
powerful for any North American big game and would be a good
number for Alaskan bear. At one time it was one of the most
widely-used, general-purpose medium bores in Africa. This was
due partly to good performance and partly to the fine, moderate¬
ly-priced bolt action rifles that chambered it. Cases can be formed
from 30-06 brass.
9.3x62mm Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
250 SP
IMR 4350
63
2606
3754
Barnes (optimistic)
270 SP
IMR 4350
64
2550
3899
Speer (optimistic)
286 SP
H-414
57
2500
3970
Barnes (optimistic)
232 SP
FL
2624
3548
Norma factory load
256 SP
FL
2560
3726
RWS factory load (optimistic)
286 SP
FL
2360
3544
Norma factory load
293 SP
FL
2430
3842
RWS factory load (optimistic)
9.1x40Rmm
Historical Notes This is an obsolete cartridge for target and
small game shooting that was popular in the early 1900s. It was
of blackpowder origin and so probably originated before 1900. It
would be OK for small to medium game, but is underpowered for
anything else. Loading data not available.
9.1x40R Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
140 lead
FL
1800
1014
Factory load
8th Edition 367
Chapter 9
Historical Notes This is the largest and most powerful of the
various Brenneke cartridges. Wilhelm Brenneke was one of the
best known of the German cartridge designers and many of his
ideas were commercial successes. He developed the popular and
effective Brenneke-Torpedo bullets.* His career began in the late
1890s, but most of his modem cartridges were perfected in the
period around 1910. He was a contemporary of Charles Newton
in the development of high-velocity cartridges. There are marked
similarities between the Brenneke and Newton cartridges, but it
is probably a case of parallel development rather than any influ¬
ence of one by the other. Brenneke was bom in 1864 and died in
1951. The 9.3x64 is still loaded by RWS. German-made, Mauser-
system bolt-action rifles are still available for the 7.8 and 9.3
Brenneke cartridges.
General Comments The 9.3x64 is ample for any North Ameri¬
can big game. John Taylor rates it right along with the 375 H&H
Magnum as an excellent all-round caliber for African hunting.
Rifles and ammunition were unavailable for a number of years
because of World War II. Now that this caliber is in production
again, its use may increase. Not well known in the U.S., it would
probably be more of a success here if better publicized.
♦For an account of Brenneke’s life and developments, see the 14th edition
of Gun Digest.
9.3x64mm Brenneke Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
286 SP
IMR 4350
76.0
2725
4716
RWS
270 SP
RL-15
67.0
2820
4768
RWS
293 SP
IMR 4350
65.0
2629
4563
RWS
247 SP
FL
2760
4178
RWS factory load
285 SP
FL
2690
4580
RWS factory load
293 SP
FL
2570
4298
RWS factory load
9.5x47Rmm
Historical Notes The 9.5x47R is an obsolete, blackpowder tar¬
get cartridge that dates back to the 1880s. The Germans used a
number of bottlenecked cartridges of 46mm to 47mm in length.
They are all very similar and differ mainly in the diameter bullet
used, which varied from 9 to 11mm. The 9.5x47R (old DWM case
No. 23) appears interchangeable with the 9.5x47R Martini (old
DWM case No. 179), although there are slight differences in body
diameter.
General Comments The ballistics of these old target cartridges
are similar and one wonders over the great variety. There must
have been 40 or more of them at one time, with only slight differ¬
ences in case length, shape or capacity. There would be little to
gain in listing them individually because most are rare collector’s
gems and rifles for them practically nonexistent. Ballistics are in
the class of the 40-60 or 44-40 Winchester and any of them would
be small- to medium-game numbers by today’s standards.
9.5x57mm Mannlicher-
Schoenauer/9.5x56 MS
Historical Notes Introduced in 1910 for the Mannlicher-Schoe-
nauer rifle and carbine, it is also listed as the 9.5x56, 9.5x56.7,
and the 375 Nitro Express Rimless. Old Eley-Kynoch catalogs
listed it as the 9.5mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer. It is not listed in
current RWS catalogs, and no modem European rifles are being
chambered for it.
General Comments The 9.5 Mannlicher was popular for a num¬
ber of years with those who liked the light, handy Mannlicher
sporting rifles. It did not have a good reputation in Africa for heavy
or dangerous game, but was liked by many as a meat getter and
performed well on thin-skinned, non-dangerous game. It is seldom
seen in the U.S. A good brush or woods cartridge for almost any
North American big game, it is in the same general class as the 358
Winchester, but has a heavier, larger diameter bullet.
9.5x57mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
270 SP
IMR 3031 44
2150
2780
286 SP
IMR 3031 42
2040
2638
270 SP
FL
2150
2780
Eley-Kynoch factory load
272 SP
FL
2148
2791
Factory load
368 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
9.5x73mm Miller-Greiss
Magnum
Historical Notes A special and relatively little-known cartridge
developed for or by Miller and Greiss, two gunsmiths of Munich,
Germany, this cartridge is based on the necked-down 404 Jeffery
case. Rifles of this caliber were built on the Mauser bolt action.
Date of introduction is not known, but would have been some
time between 1910 and the early 1920s. The 9.5x73 represents
another German effort to bring out a cartridge competitive with
the British 375 H&H Magnum. This one makes it ballistically,
but never got close in popularity. Both rifles and cartridges are
quite scarce and are now collector’s items.
9.5x73mm Miller-Greiss Magnum Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
271 SP_FL_2670 4310 DWM factory load
9.3X72R, 9.3X48R
9.3X57R, 9.3X70R
9.3X80R, 9.3X82R
Historical Notes These six cartridges are lumped together
because the only real difference between them is case length.
They all date back to the 1890 period, and all were originally
blackpowder cartridges. Most of them were still loaded until the
start of WWII, but only the 9.3x72R survived the war and is list¬
ed in late RWS catalogs. All are of straight, rimmed type and
were used in single shot and combination guns.
General Comments Old catalogs show the same bullet as suitable
for all or most of these cartridges. Despite the difference in case length,
there really isn’t much difference in ballistics or power. All are primari¬
ly medium-game cartridges fully adequate only for deer or similar ani¬
mals. They can best be compared to the 38-55, although this old
American cartridge has a slight edge over most of the various straight-
cased 9.3s. Few modem guns are being made in any of these calibers.
9.3x72R, 9.3x48R, 9.3x57R, 9.3x70R, 9.3x80R, 9.3x82R Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
160 SP
FL
1650
973
Factory load
190 SP
FL
1700
1225
Factory load
300 SP
FL
1650
1820
Factory load
193 SP
FL
2020
1750
RWS factory load
193 SP
FL
1640
1155
Factory load
10.25x69Rmm Hunting-Express
Historical Notes An obsolete blackpowder cartridge that dates
back to the 1880-90 period, it was used mostly in single shot and
double rifles. The Germans had several cartridges of from 400- to
405-caliber that were similar to British rounds in the same class.
They also loaded and chambered the various length British
450/400 cartridges popular around the turn of the century. The
10.25x69R is an intermediate-length version between the 450/400
2 3 /8-iiich and 3-inch. Rifles of this caliber are currently quite scarce.
General Comments Cartridges of this caliber and class were
developed primarily for the African gun trade. In power they are
similar to the 375 H&H Magnum if loaded with smokeless pow¬
der to maximum performance. The 10.25 would probably do for
most African game and is certainly ample for North American big
game at moderate ranges. Old blackpowder loads are not as effec¬
tive as later smokeless ones. These cartridges are all obsolete and
better left to collectors. Bullet diameter is .404-inch.
10.25x69Rmm Hunting-Express Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
235 SP FL 2100 2310 Factory smokeless load
8th Edition 369
Chapter 9
10.3x60Rmm Swiss
Historical Notes A Swiss target cartridge originally for single
shot, Martini-action rifles, the 10.3x60R is nothing more than the
Swiss version of the obsolete British 450/400 (2 3 /8-inch) Black-
powder Express. Some Swiss-loaded ammunition is so marked on
the box. Some modem bolt-action rifles have been made in
Switzerland in this caliber. The British loaded a 255-grain lead
bullet, but the Swiss use heavier bullets of softpoint or full-jack¬
eted type and smokeless powder. The Swiss loading is in about
the same class as the 405 Winchester and would do for any North
American big game at short to medium range. This caliber is still
popular in Switzerland and guns and ammunition in this caliber
are still being manufactured in Switzerland and in Germany by
RWS. In at least one Swiss canton the 10.3x60R is the only lawful
caliber for big game hunting. Bullet diameter is .415-inch.
10.3x60Rmm Swiss Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
253 SP
RL-15 66.0
2432
3324
RWS
330 SP
FL
2070
3143
RWS and Swiss factory loading
10.3x65Rmm Baenziger
Historical Notes This was at one time a popular European tar¬
get cartridge, particularly in Switzerland. It is now obsolete, but
the Swiss manufactured it until after the end of WWII. Swiss
Martini-action single shot rifles were made for the 10.3x65R. This
cartridge is actually the brass 2.5-inch 410 (10.35mm or 36-
gauge) shotgun shell loaded with a lead or softpoint bullet. How¬
ever, the rim is a bit thicker than the average 410 shotshell.
DWM case No. 164 is listed in the 1904 catalog under schrot-
flinten, or shotguns. Ammunition can be made from brass 410
cases, although the rim usually has to be built up to the proper
thickness. A brass washer is the easiest solution to this. The
equally hard to find 405 Winchester case can also be used if
trimmed to the right length and the rim turned down. New brass
cases from Bertram Bullet Co. are being imported by Hunting-
ton. Lyman #412263 (290-grain) cast bullets can be sized and
used. Power is about the same as the 44 Magnum revolver car¬
tridge fired in a rifle so it would make a fairly satisfactory short-
range deer number.
There is also a 10.3x65R Swiss target cartridge (old DWM case
No. 237A) that is practically identical to the above except for a
thin rim. This one has been obsolete for a good many years. Cas¬
es are currently made by Bartram Bullet Co.
10.3x65Rmm Baenziger Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
290 Lead
3031 43
1625
1705
Lyman #412263
285 SP
FL
1785
1940
Factory load
10.5x47Rmm
Historical Notes One of a series of obsolete blackpowder target
cartridges of varying caliber based on a 47mm bottlenecked case that
all date back to the 1880s and ’90s differing only in caliber. Some of
them originated with the Austrian gunsmith Stahl. Bullet weight
varied according to caliber. The 10.5x47R used bullets of from 260 to
298 grains. Factory ballistics and handloading data not available.
Historical Notes The largest of the Collath-developed cartridges,
this one has a straight, rimmed case. It was loaded with a 205-grain
softpoint bullet, but the author could find no specific data on the bal¬
listics. The Collath cartridges are collector’s items and rifles for
them are uncommon. See the 9.3 Collath for additional information.
Case dimensions are similar to the 405 Winchester.
370 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
10.75x73mm (404 Rimless
Nitro Express, 404 Jeffery)
Historical Notes This is the metric designation for the 404 Jeffery
or 404 Rimless Nitro Express. One of the most popular rounds used
in Africa, the 404/10.75x73 is now back in production at RWS. The
new RWS loads are assembled with Australian-made Woodleigh
bullets with bonded cores and clad steel jackets. Ruger now offers
the bolt-action M77 and the No.l single shot in this caliber.
General Comments Overall length is the same as the popular
375 H&H Magnum so rifles with magnum length actions are
suitable for this cartridge. Some say it is too powerful for North
American game, but as Elmer Keith used to say, “too much gun
always beats the alternative.” Bullets for handloading are offered
by Barnes and Woodleigh.
10.75x73mm (404 Rimless Nitro Express, 404 Jeffery)
Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
347 SP
RL-15 80.0
2335
4200
RWS
400 SP
RL-15 75.5
2220
4379
RWS
400 SP-FMJ
FL
2315
4761
RWS factory load
10.75x57mm (Mannlicher)
Historical Notes This obsolete, rimless cartridge is based on
the 57mm case length. It dates back to around 1900 or possibly
earlier. Ammunition was once made by G. Roth and RWS. It was
chambered in sporting rifles based on the Model 88 German mil¬
itary bolt action and also in later Model 98 Mauser rifles. Some
authorities say it originated as a Mannlicher cartridge.
General Comments The 10.75x57 has such a slight shoulder
one has to look closely to realize is has one at all. The fact that it
was not popular or widely used may have been due in part to
headspace trouble such as that encountered with the wildcat 400
Whelen. The Whelen cartridge was made by necking-up 30-06
cases to take 405 Winchester bullets. It had a short life and nev¬
er got much beyond the experimental stage. The 10.75x57 would
be powerful enough for North American big game and most non-
dangerous African game. Rifles for the cartridge are rare. Load¬
ing data is not available.
10.75x57mm (Mannlicher) Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
350 SP_FL 1950 2960 Factory load
10.75x63mm Mauser
Historical Notes Although generally referred to in literature as
a Mauser cartridge, some authorities say this is a Mannlicher
development. It was introduced about 1910 and has been obso¬
lete for a number of years. It is not listed in post-WWII German
or British catalogs. Except for length, it has practically the same
dimensions as the longer 10.75x68. Most samples were made by
RWS, but the old DWM case No. 515 (listed as the 10.75x62) is
probably the same cartridge. There was also a 10.75x62 straight
case, whereas the one listed here is necked. It was loaded with a
347- or 350-grain bullet at about 2100 fps, but exact ballistics are
lacking. It would probably be a little more powerful than the 405
Winchester, but ballistics data are lacking.
8th Edition 371
Chapter 9
Historical Notes The 10.75x68 was a Mauser development and
is so listed in German ammunition catalogs. It was introduced in
the early 1920s and is still listed in the current RWS catalog. Pre-
WWII Mauser magnum-action Type A sporting rifles were cham¬
bered for this round and exported to the United States. Post-war
Browning and Dumoulin bolt-action rifles were available for this
caliber in Europe. Kynoch of England once made the 10.75x68
cartridge.
General Comments A popular big game cartridge with many
African and Indian hunters. The 10.75x68 has been used on all
kinds of dangerous game including elephant. However, profes¬
sional ivory hunters did not consider it satisfactory for elephant.
This was apparently due to the bullet design. The softpoint bullet
couldn’t be depended on to hold together and so did not always
penetrate properly. In power it is below the British 404 Rimless
Nitro Express and about on par with the 375 H&H Magnum.
However, it is not considered as good a general purpose cartridge
as the 375 H&H. There is no question of it being perfectly ade¬
quate for North American big game. Bullet diameter is .424-inch.
Ammunition is available from Old Western Scrounger.
10.75x68mm Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
347 SP
IMR 3031 59
2250
3900
347 SP
FL
2200
3740
Eley-Kynoch factory load
347 SP
FL
2230
3830
RWS factory load
11.2x60mm Schuler
11.2x60mm Mauser
Historical Notes This cartridge is also listed as the 11.15x59.8
Schuler. It is nothing more than a rimless, smokeless powder ver¬
sion of the popular German 11mm Model 71 Mauser military
round. The case has a rebated rim of smaller diameter than the
body to fit the standard 98 Mauser bolt face. It appears to have
been introduced right after the end of WWI, but may be older.
Rifles for the 11.2x60 were exported to the U.S. in the early
1920s, but it was not popular here. It is obsolete and late German
ammunition and gun catalogs do not list it.
General Comments The general popularity of the 11mm
Mauser military round was responsible for development of the
rimless version. The original cartridge could not be stepped up
very much in performance because the Models 71 and 71/84 were
blackpowder rifles. The rimless 11.2x60 could be fired in the
stronger 98 action. Although it is a considerable improvement
over the old blackpowder 11mm military round, it didn’t catch on
in Africa. Most hunters there considered the bullet design unreli¬
able for maximum penetration and of poor sectional density. In
power it is between the 405 Winchester and the 375 H&H Mag¬
num. Bullet diameter is .440-inch.
11.2x60mm Schuler, 11.2x60 Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
332 SP
IMR 3031 60
2130
3360
370 Lead
IMR 3031 45
1500
1855
Lyman #439186
332 SP
FL
2198
3575
Factory load
11.2x72mm Schuler
11.2x72mm Mauser
Historical Notes Rifles manufactured by H. Krieghoff of Suhl,
Germany in this caliber were exported to the U.S. in the early
1920s. The cartridge appears to have been developed about that
time, possibly between 1920-22. These Krieghoff-Schuler rifles
were based on the Mauser Magnum action with a four-shot mag¬
azine. The case has a rebated rim smaller than the body diameter
to fit the standard Mauser bolt face. The 11.2x72 was used only to
a limited extent by American shooters. It is now obsolete and not
listed in the German late catalogs.
General Comments The 11.2x72, often confused by gun writ¬
ers with the shorter and less powerful 11.2x60, is a powerful
round that equals the 458 Winchester Magnum or the 470 Nitro
Express in terms of muzzle energy. One does not read much
about its use in Africa, although it had a small but loyal following.
For some reason the German designers never turned out the
sturdy solid bullets demanded by the professional hunters where
deep penetration was required. That was the main reason many
fine German cartridges were not highly regarded for shooting
heavy, thick-skinned African game. This cartridge is listed in the
1911 Alpha catalog.
11.2x72mm Schuler, 11.2x72mm Mauser Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
401 SP IMR 4350 103 2360 4975
401 SP FL 2438 5300 Factory load
372 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
10.8x47Rmm Martini (Target)
Historical Notes An obsolete blackpowder cartridge for Marti¬
ni-action, single shot target rifles. The 10.8x47 was loaded with a
386-grain paper patched bullet. Ballistics not known. There were
a number of similar rounds used by target shooters during the
period 1875 through the 1890s.
12.17x44Rmm Remington M67
(Norway & Sweden)
Historical Notes This is the centerfire version of the 12x42mm
rimfire military cartridge. It was previously listed as a military
cartridge, but was never adopted as such. It was used as sporting
round in Norway and Sweden in Remington rolling block type
rifles. It originated in 1867 and was loaded by Remington and
also in Germany.
General Comments This is another large caliber blackpowder
cartridge similar to the American 50-70. It would do for any
North American big game. However, the cartridge is largely a col¬
lector’s item and one is not apt to have these in shooting quanti¬
ties. Bullet diameter is .502-inch.
12.17x44Rmm Remington M67 Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
345 lead
Fg 76
1300
1298
Military load
360 lead
Fg 75
1290
1335
Lyman #509134
360 lead
IMR 4198 32
1340
1440
Lyman #509134
345 lead
FL
1300
1298
Factory load
12.5x70mm Schuler
500 Jeffery
Historical Notes This cartridge is the same as, and inter¬
changeable with, the 500 Jeffery Rimless. Some authorities say it
was an original Schuler development; others claim Jeffery intro¬
duced it. John Taylor says the ammunition was loaded only in
Europe, and that would indicate Schuler originated it. Krieghoff-
Schuler Magnum rifles chambered the round and were exported
from the 1920s until WWII. The exact date of introduction is
obscure.
General Comments Until introduction of the 460 Weatherby
Magnum, this was the most powerful magazine rifle cartridge in
existence. It was used very successfully in Africa on some game. For
additional comment and information see the 500 Jeffery Rimless.
Bullet diameter is .510-inch. Factory loads were made in both soft
point and full metal jacket types. German FMJ bullets had weak
jackets and did not perform well against heavy animals. In previous
issues this cartridge was erroneously listed as the 12.7x70mm.
12.5x70mm (500 Jeffery) Schuler Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.) Powder/grs. MV ME Source
535 SP FL 2400 6800 Factory load
8th Edition 373
Chapter 9
EUROPEAN SPORTING RIFLE CARTRIDGES
Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless
Dimensional Data
Berdan
RWS
Old
Case
Bullet
Neck
Shoulder
Base
Rim
Case
Ctge.
Primer
Primer
DWM
Cartridge
type
dia.
dia.
dia.
dia.
dia.
length
length
dia.
no.
case no.
5.6x33mm Rook
C/A
.222
.248
.318
.325
.326/.366
1.31
1.62/1.64
.177
1584
467/468
5.6x35Rmm Vierling (22 WCF)
A
.222
.241
.278
.300
.297
1.40
1.62
.177
1584
539
5.6x35Rmm
(22 Hornet, see Chapter 2)
5.6x50mm Magnum/
5.6x50Rmm Mag.
C/A
.224
.254
.355
.375
.376/(7)
1 97
2.21
—
—
—
5.6x57mm RWS/
5.6x57Rmm RWS
C/A
.224
.281
.436
.469
.470/(7)
2.24
2.54
—
—
—
5.6x61 Rmm Vom Hofe
A
.227
.260
.470
.479
.533
2.39
3.13
.217
5603
431M
5.6x61 mm Vom Hofe Sup. Exp.
C
.227
.259
.468
.476
.480
2.39
3.13
.217
5603
431P
5.6x52Rmm (22 Savage H.P.)
A
.228
.252
.360
.416
.500
2.05
2.51
.217
5603
545
6x29.5R Stahl
A
.243
.262
.301
.320
.370
1.16
1.44
.177
1584
—
6x57mm Mauser
C
.243
.284
.420
.475
.476
2.23
2.95
.217
5603
494
6x58Rmm Forster
A
.243
.284
.437
.471
.532
2.26
3.06
.217
5603
489A
6x58mm Forster
C
.243
.285
.437
.470
.468
2.26
3.08
.217
5603
489
244 (6mm) Halger Magnum
A
.243
.287
.435
.467
.519
2.25
3.04
.217
5603
—
6x62 Freres/6x62Rmm Freres
C/A
.243
.271
.451
.474
.470/(7)
2.42
3.13
.217
—
—
6.5x40Rmm
B
.250
.290
—
.396
.451
1.58
2.07
—
—
—
65x27Rmm A .257 .284 .348 .379 .428 1.06 1.54 .177 1584 476
6.5x52Rmm (25-35 WCF) A .257 .280 .355 .420 .500 2.04 2.53 .217 5603 519
6.3x53Rmm Finnish A .257 .286 .463 .486 .565 2.09 2.51
6.5x48Rmm Sauer B .260 .284 — .433 .495 1.88 2.43 .217 5603 463A
6.5x54 Mannlicher-
Schoenauer (6.5x54R)_ C/ A .263_.287_ .424 .447 .450/(7) 2.09_3.02_.217
6.5x53.5mm Daudeteau
6.5x58R Sauer
6.5x54mm Mauser
6.5x58Rmm Krag-Jorgensen
6.5x55mm Swedish
6.5x53Rmm Russian
G
B
C
A
C
.263
.264
.264
.264
.264
.298
.291
.289
.300
.294
.466
.432
.460
.420
.490
.433
.468
.500
.480
.524
.501
.463
.575
.480
2.09
2.30
2.12
2.29
2.28
3.02
3.08
2.67
3.25
3.22
.217
.217
.217
.217
5603
5603
5603
1680
475A
463
457A
431C
6.5x57mm Mauser/
6.5x57R Mauser
C/A
.264
.292
.430
.471/.470
.474/.521
2.23/2.24
3.16/3.18
.217
5603
404A/(?)
6.5x58mm Mauser
C
.264
.293
.426
.468
.465
2.28
3.22
.217
5603
457
6.5x65mm RWS/
6.5x65Rmm RWS
C/A
.264
.296
.430
.4747475
.470/.531
2.56
3.15
—
—
—
6.5x58 Portuguese
C
.264
.293
.426
.465
.465
2.28
3.22
.217
5603
457
6.5x61 mm Mauser/
6.5x61 R Mauser
C/A
.264
.297/.296
.452
.477
.4797532
2.40
3.55
.217
5603
431L/431M
6.5x68mm Schuler/
6.5x68Rmm Schuler
C/A
.265
.295
.481
.520
.510/(7)
2.66
3.27
.238
1698
—
7x33mm Finnish/Sako
C
.284
.307
.365
.388
.390
1.30
1.73
—
—
—
7x72Rmm
B
.284
.311
—
.425
.482
2.84
3.48
.217
5603
573
7x57mm/7x57R Mauser
C/A
.284
.320
.420
.470
.4747521
2.23
3.06/3.07
.217
5603
380D/M93A
7x64mm Brenneke/
7x65Rmm Brenneke
C/A
.284
.305/.308
.422
.463
.468/.521
2.51/2.53
3.21
.217
5603
557/557A
7x75Rmm Vom Hofe Sup. Exp.
A
.284
.318
.416
.468
.519
2.95
3.68
.217
—
—
7x66mm Vom Hofe Sup. Exp.
C
.284
.316
.485
.543
.510
2.58
3.25
.217
?
603
7x73mm Vom Hofe Belted
E
.284
.315
.483
.527
.533
2.87
3.88
.217
5603
575
30R Blaser
A
.308
.343
.441
.480
.531
2.68
3.80
—
—
—
7.62x39mm Soviet
C
.310
.340
.394
.443
.445
1.52
2.20
—
—
NA
8x48R Sauer
B
.316
.344
—
.432
.500
1.88
2.58
.254
1775
462A
8x51 mm Mauser/
8x51 Rmm Mauser
C/A
.316
.344
.436
.467
.4677515
1.98
2.67/2.68
.217
5603
366L/366L2
8.15x46Rmm
A
.316
.346
.378
.421
.484
1.82
2.28
.250
1794
455
8x42Rmm—M/88
A
.318
.347
.423
.468
.525
1.66
2.28
.217
5603
88D
8x57Rmm 360
A
.318
.333
.375
.427
.485
2.24
2.96
—
—
—
8x57mm Mauser
C
.318
.350
.435
.470
.473
2.24
3.17
—
—
—
8x71 mm Peterlongo
C
.318
.349
.422
.462
.468
2.80
3.28
.216
2610
—
8x75mm/8x75Rmm
C/A
.318
.345
.411
.466
.4677522
2.94
3.50/3.51
.217
5603
514A/514
8x58Rmm Sauer
B
.322
.345
—
.438
.499
2.28
3.00
.254
1775
462
8x56mm Mannlicher-
Schoenauer
C
.323
.347
.424
.465
.470
2.21
3.04
.217
5603
528
8x54mm Krag-Jorgensen
C
.323
.351
.435
.478
.478
2.12
2.85
.199
1680
—
8.2x53Rmm Finnish
374 Cartridges of the World
European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
EUROPEAN SPORTING RIFLE CARTRIDGES
(Continued)
Cartridge
Case
type
Bullet
dia.
Neck
dia.
Shoulder
dia.
Base
dia.
Rim
dia.
Case
length
Ctge.
length
Berdan
Primer
dia.
RWS
Primer
no.
Old
DWM
case no.
8x57JSmm/
8x57JRSmm Mauser
8x60RS Magnum
(also 8x60JR)
8x60S Mauser &
8x60S Magnum*
C/A
A
C
.323
.323
.323
.350
.345
.350
.435
.432
.431
.470
.466
.470
.473/.526
.524
.468
2.24/2.25
2.36
2.34
3.17/3.55
3.20
3.11
—/.217
.217
.217
-75603
5603
5603
—/366D1
542A
542
8x64S Brenneke
C/A
.323
.348
.424/.421
.468/.464
.469/.520
2.51/2.56
3.32/3.65
.217
5603
558/558A
8x68Smm Magnum
C
.323
.354
.473
.522
.510
2.65
3.38
.238
1698
8x72Rmm Sauer
B
.324
.344
—
.429
.483
2.84
3.40
.254
1775
574
9x71 mm Peterlongo
C
.350
.386
.420
.464
.466
2.80
3.26
.216
2610
783
9x56mm Mannlicher
C
.356
.378
.408
.464
.464
2.22
3.56
.217
5603
491E
9x57mm Mauser/
9x57Rmm Mauser
C/A
.356
.380
.428/.424
.467
.468/.515
2.21
3.10/3.08
.217
5603
491 A/491 B
9x70Rmm Mauser
A
.357
.385
.418
.467
.525
2.76
3.37
474B
9x63mm
C
.357
.384
.427
.467
.468
2.48
3.28
.217
5603
491D
9.3x72Rmm Sauer
A
.365
.390
.422
.473
.518
2.83
3.34
.254
1775
1775
9.3x80Rmm
B
.365
.386
—
.430
.485
3.14
3.50
.254
77B
9.3x82Rmm
B
.365
.386
—
.430
.485
3.21
3.72
.254
1775
77C
9.3x53mm Swiss
C/A
.365
.389/.391
.453/.455
.492/.494
.491/.563
2.11
2.80/2.83
9.3x57mm Mauser
C
.365
.389
.428
.468
.469
2.24
3.23
.217
5603
491
9.3x74Rmm
A
.365
.387
.414
.465
.524
2.93
3.74
.217
5603
474A
9.3x62mm Mauser
C
.365
.388
.447
.473
.470
2.42
3.29
.217
5603
474
9.3x64mm Brenneke
C
.365
.391
.475
.504
.492
2.52
3.43
.217
5fin.2
9.3x53Rmm Finnish
9.3x65Rmm Collath
A
.367
.384
.420
.443
.508
2.56
3.01
9.3x53Rmm Hebler
A
.369
.398
.462
.484
.550
2.12
2.92
9.1x40Rmm
B
.374
.385
—
.404
.446
1.60
2.00
_
91
9.5x47Rmm
A
.375
.409
.497
.513
.583
1.85
2.37
.254
1775
22
9.5x57mm Mannlicher
(9.5x56)
C
.375
.400
.460
.471
.473
2.25
2.94
.217
5603
531
9.5x73mm Miller-
Greiss Magnum
C
.375
.402
.531
.543
.541
2.86
3.50
.217
5603
473
9.3x48Rmm
B
.376
.382
—
.433
.492
1.89
2.35
.254
1775
246
9.3x57Rmm
B
.376
.389
—
.428
.486
2.24
2.80
.254
1775
77E
9.3x70Rmm
B
.376
.387
—
.427
.482
2.75
3.45
.254
1775
77F
9.3x72Rmm
B
.376
.385
—
.427
.482
2.84
3.27
.254
1775
77D
10.25x69Rmm
Hunting-Express
A
.404
.415
.480
.549
.630
2.72
3.17
.254
1775
214
10.3x60Rmm Swiss
A
.415
.440
.498
.547
.619
2.36
3.08
10.5x47Rmm
A
.419
.445
.496
.513
.591
1.85
2.40
.254
1775
29
10.75x73mm (404 Jeffery)
C
.421
.450
.520
.544
.537
2.86
3.53
.217
555
10.3x65Rmm Baenziger
B
.423
.431
—
.462
.505
2.56
3.15
164
10.75x65Rmm Collath
B
.424
.451
—
.487
.542
2.56
3.02
_
10.75x57mm Mannlicher
C
.424
.448
.465
.468
.468
2.24
3.05
_
10.75x63mm Mauser
1
.424
.447
.479
.493
.467
2.47
3.22
515 ?
10.75x68mm Mauser
C
.424
.445
.470
.492
.488
2.67
3.16
.217
5603
515A
11.2x60mm Schuler
(Mauser)
1
.440
.465
.512
.512
.465
2.35
2.86
.217
5601
11.2x72mm Schuler
(Mauser)
1
.440
.465
.510
.536
.469
2.80
3.85
.217
5601
10.8x47Rmm Martini Target
A
.441
.463
.512
.516
.591
1.75
2.23
.254
1775
146
12.17x44R Remington M67
B
.502
.544
—
.546
.624
1.73
2.13
?
?
?
12.50x70mm Schuler
(500 Jeffery)
1
.510
.535
.615
.620
.578
2.94
3.50
.254
2703
—
A—Rimmed, bottlenecked B—Rimmed, straight C—Rimless, bottlenecked
E—Belted, bottlenecked G—Semi-rimmed, bottlenecked 1—Rebated, rimless
*The 8x60, 8x64 Brenneke (and the rimmed versions) not listed above, are dimensionally the same as the 8x60S, etc., shown except for bullet
diameter of .318".
Unless otherwise noted, all dimensions are in inches.
8th Edition 375
Ballistics of RWS Sporting Ammunition
2
o
-22.2
-18.2
-13.5
©
- 9.3
- 8.5
- 6.4
©
-18.5
-15.8
-11.2
©
-12.5
-10.8
- 7.8
©
-28.6
-24.1
-17.1
©
-14.6
-12.3
- 8.9
©
- 8.9
- 8.2
- 6.1
©
-i
-23.0
-19.8
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*A free 75-page ballistics catalog is available from RWS. Write to Dynamit Nabel, 105, Stonehurst
Ct., Northvale, NJ 07647. All RWS ammo is non-corrosive and fully (Boxer primed) reloadable.
_ Chapter 10 _
AMERICAN RIMFIRE CARTRIDGES
(Current and Obsolete)
THE RIMFIRE CARTRIDGE differs from the center-
fire in that the priming compound is contained in the rim.
Ignition occurs when the firing pin crushes the rim. Rim-
fire cartridges are of historical as well as practical inter¬
est. Although only one of a number of ignition systems
leading to the modem centerfire, the rimfire was the first
truely successful system and is still alive and well, almost
150 years later. The common 22 rimfires had their origin
with the Flobert BB Cap in 1845, which lead to the Smith
& Wesson-developed 22 Short of 1857. The idea of rimfire
ignition goes back to Roberts’ French patent of 1831. This
provided for the priming compound covering the entire
head interior; the rimfire evolved by leaving the primer
mix out of the center. After Smith & Wesson’s First Mod¬
el revolver in 22 Short caliber was introduced in 1857,
development of rimfire arms and cartridges bloomed. The
New Haven Arms Co. began manufacturing 44 Henry
ammuntion in 1861, and 56-56 Spencer ammunition was
made in quantity beginning about 1862, although the
Spencer rifle design dates back to 1860. Both of these car¬
tridges were used by Federal troops in the Civil War. The
first successful metallic cartridge repeating arms were
chambered for rimfire cartridges. By the end of the Civil
War there were numerous rimfire calibers available.
A a great many rimfire cartridges have been developed
for rifles and handguns here and in Europe. In the late
1800s something like 75 different rimfire cartridges had
been loaded by American companies, but only about 42
were still around by 1900. The decline in the number of
rimfire cartridges was due to the fact that many early
ones were experimental and so had a very short life. These
are of academic interest primarily to collectors. Space lim¬
itations rule out any effort to list all of them here. The cri¬
teria for their inclusion is that they were loaded by
American companies and survived to the turn of the cen¬
tury. The more obscure numbers and those of British or
Continental origin have been covered fairly well else¬
where. The more popular rimfires lasted well past the
turn of the century and a few are still in use. The 22 Short
nmfire is, in fact, the oldest American cartridge, having
survived since 1857. It will probably still be around as
long we own and shoot firearms. The decline in the num¬
ber of rimfire cartridge types can be illustrated by a
review of old catalogs. The 42 that existed in 1900 had
been reduced to 32 by 1918. By the 1930s, the number was
down to a mere 17. After World War II, the count was less
than 10. At the present all rimfires listed in American
ammunition catalogs are 22-caliber. Some older rimfires
are still loaded in Europe and from time to time these are
imported. Many of the cartridges listed here were avail¬
able on an over-the-counter basis up through the 1920s.
One or two of the obsolete rimfires would probably be use¬
ful to modem shooters, but it is unlikely ammuntion man¬
ufacturers will revive them. While many shooters would
welcome a return of the 25 Stevens Long; this will never
happen.
Rimfire cartridges have certain advantages as well as
weaknesses when compared to centerfire. In smaller cal¬
ibers the rimfire is cheaper to manufacture and within
equivalent pressures just as good as the centerfire. One
important disadvantage of the rimfire is that it isn’t
practical to reload. This was a big consideration with
early buffalo hunters and pioneers of the Old West. It
was also no small consideration among match shooters
who developed top accuracy by loading their own. The
rimfire will not stand up under the pressures of modem
high-velocity centerfire loads. Solid head centerfires can
be made much stronger. Large caliber rimfire cartridges
cost nearly as much as similar centerfire rounds, so
there is an economic point beyond which the rimfire just
isn’t worthwhile.
If any statements made before this give the impres¬
sion the rimfire cartridge is about to become extinct,
I’m sorry—nothing could be further from the truth. As
late as 1959 Winchester introduced a new little num¬
ber called the 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire. This
cartridge develops a higher muzzle velocity from a 6V2-
inch pistol barrel than previous rimfire loads fired from
8th Edition 377
Chapter 10
coyote or fox with a well placed bullet. The 22 WMR will
extend this range to 125 yards. The 22 Short is a good
plinking round and is used in Olympic pistol competition.
The high-velocity Long Rifle is a useful self-defense round.
It will penetrate better than the 32 Smith & Wesson when
fired from a handgun. The 22 WMR develops handgun
energies nearly equal to the 38 Special.
It would surprise many to know how many deer are
killed each year by poachers using the 22 Long Rifle. How¬
ever, it is not to be considered a deer cartridge. There is
reportedly a case of an elephant having been killed with a
22 Long Rifle, but that hardly qualifies it as an elephant
cartridge either. Within their capabilities and limitations,
modem rimfire cartridges are among the most useful we
have.
a rifle! In fact, it outperforms many of the older 22 cen-
terfires.
The 22 Long Rifle has become the most accurate and
highly developed sporting cartridge in existence. Its popu¬
larity for match shooting and small game or varmint
hunting remains undiminished—and is increasing if any¬
thing. There are dozens of makes, models and types of 22
rimfire arms currently manufactured and new models
appear in a steady stream. The 22 Long Rifle has estab¬
lished a place so secure it will be with us as long as guns
are made. Those designs that died out just didn’t fill any
particular need.
Modem rimfire cartridges are intended for target,
plinking or small game hunting. The 22 Long Rifle does
very well out to 75 yards on rabbit-sized animals and on
378 Cartridges of the World
American Rimfire Cartridges
5mm Remington Rimfire Magnum
Historical Notes The 5mm Remington Rimfire Magnum was
announced in 1969, but not actually introduced until 1970. Only
the Remington bolt-action Model 591 clip-loading and Model 592
tubular magazine repeating rifles were available for the round. It
was not adopted by other ammunition manufacturers and is no
longer loaded by Remington. For a time Thompson/Center fur¬
nished barrels for the Contender pistol in 5mm Remington. This
is the only modem necked rimfire case; however, a number of the
obsolete blackpowder rimfires were necked so it is not an entire¬
ly new development. Bullet diameter is .2045-inch with a weight
of 38 grains and a muzzle velocity of 2100 fps. This is the highest
velocity of any rimfire manufactured to date.
General Comments The 5mm Remington represented an
interesting development that exceeds the performance of some of
the early 22 centerfires. Its effective killing range on small
varmint-type animals is only 25-50 yards greater than the 22
Winchester Magnum Rimfire. This is due to the better sectional
density of the smaller diameter bullet combined with 150 fps
higher initial velocity. Both are essentially varmint cartridges.
With the hollowpoint-type bullet they ruin too much edible meat
for small game shooting. However, the 22 WMR is available with
a non-expanding full-jacketed bullet, or one could switch to the
interchangeable 22 WRF for small game hunting. In summary,
the 5mm Remington has the edge for varmint shooting, but the
22 WMR is more versatile where small game is a consideration.
On the other hand, a good FMJ small game bullet for the 5mm
Remington might have changed that analysis. The choice would
be largely a matter of use and personal preference. Remington
has long since discontinued the Model 591 and 592, and no rifles
are currently made in 5mm RFM. Ammunition is no longer made
by Remington. The 5mm RFM is another good idea that didn’t
catch on, although it had a lot to recommend it.
22 BB Cap
Historical Notes The rimfire 22 BB Cap, or Bulleted Breech
Cap, is one of the oldest successful, self-contained cartridges. It
originated in 1845 for the Flobert indoor target rifle. These guns
were also known as saloon (salon) or parlor rifles and were quite
popular through the turn of the century. A great many individu¬
als and companies have made both rifles and pistols for the 22
BB Cap. This type of social, indoor shooting has become virtually
extinct. American companies loaded the 22 BB Cap up to World
War II, but discontinued it after the War. The original cartridge
had only a priming charge and a 22-caliber lead round ball, but
American ammunition contained a small charge of powder and a
conical bullet in many makes. The original case was a tapered
percussion cap without a well-defined rim. RWS (in Germany) is
the only firm who loads the 22 BB Cap at the present time.
General Comments Many insist the 22 BB Cap is completely
worthless, but this author does not agree. Rainy afternoons of
target practice in the basement or garage will create a certain
appreciation for this little pipsqueak. They are also handy for a
preliminary sighting-in of 22 rimfire rifles or pistols. Modem
loads have sufficient power to kill rats, mice, sparrows or other
pests out to 40 yards or so. At close range, RWS BB Caps will
penetrate an inch of soft pine. They could seriously injure or even
kill a human being, so one should be careful with them. They are
not toys. There is considerable variation in case length and
dimensions between different makes. The CCI “Mini-Cap” loaded
in 22 Short and Long Rifle cases duplicates performance of the
older 22 BB and CB cap for indoor target practice.
22 CB Cap
Historical Notes The 22 CB Cap, or Conical Bullet Cap, is
something of a cross between the 22 BB Cap and 22 Short. It has
been manufactured in various sizes. In original form it was sup¬
posed to combine the 29-grain 22 Short bullet with the 22 BB Cap
case and a light charge of blackpowder. In actual manufacture,
some CB Cap cases have a length about halfway between the BB
Cap and Short. It is not a transitional design leading to the 22
Short, but rather a more powerful version of the BB Cap. Earliest
catalog reference appears to be about 1888, although it probably
originated prior to this. American companies loaded it up to 1942,
but it has been discontinued since the end of WWII. German
RWS CB caps are the only brand presently available.
General Comments The 22 CB Cap managed to combine
about all the disadvantages of the 22 BB Cap and Short into one
generally useless cartridge. It was no more accurate than either
S3
of the other two and made enough noise to nullify the indoor
virtues of the BB Cap. It also required almost as heavy a back¬
stop as the Short and was just as dangerous indoors. In killing
power it wasn’t enough better than the BB Cap to make any
real difference, although it might provide an additional 10 or 15
yards effective range. In recognition of this, almost everyone
quit making it with few laments from the shooting public. The
original charge was IV 2 grains of blackpowder, but after 1920
smokelsss powder was used exclusively. CCI in Lewiston, Ida¬
ho, currently loads the 29-grain CB Cap bullet in the 22 Short
and Long Rifle case at velocities of 727 to 830 fps. Remington
offers their CBee which is a low-velocity round based on the 22
Short and Long case with a 30-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity
of 700 fps. These loads are intended for indoor target practice,
gallery or pest shooting.
8th Edition 379
Chapter 10
22 Short
Historical Notes The 22 Short is the oldest American, commer¬
cial, self-contained, metallic cartridge. It has been in continuous
production for over 136 years! It was introduced in 1857 for the
Smith & Wesson First Model revolver and is still widely used all
over the world. Although now popular as a short-range gallery or
plinking round, the 22 Short was originally intended for self-
defense. It is still used for Olympic match shooting and heavy tar¬
get pistols are built specifically for it. Initial loading was a 29-grain
bullet and 4 grains of fine blackpowder. After 1887 it was available
with semi-smokeless powder and within a short time, smokeless
powder. Remington introduced noncorrosive (Kleanbore) priming
for their rimfire fine in 1927 and the first high-velocity type in
1930. The 22 Short can be fired in any arm chambered for the Long
Rifle, but most semi-auto guns won’t function properly with the 22
Short. Since the end of WWII a number of small 22 Short pocket
automatic pistols and revolvers have appeared on the market.
General Comments In high-velocity loading the Short is quite
adequate for small game or bird hunting. However, killing power
declines rapidly beyond 50 yards. Hunting should be confined to
animals not over 2 pounds in weight. The 22 Short can be deceiv¬
ing because it looks small and relatively harmless. When fired
from a rifle it can penetrate 2 inches of soft pine and has an
extreme range of almost 1 mile. It can seriously wound or kill a
person right up to the limit of its range. Be careful! Make sure of
your backstop before shooting any 22 rimfire. The hollowpoint
bullet weighs 27 grains and has about 25 fps higher velocity than
the solid anc is a particularly effective squirrel load. CCI is the
only remaining manufacturer of the hollow point load. Although
sales today are vastly overshadowed by the less expensive 22
Long Rifle, so many 22 Short cartridges were produced during
this cartridge’s first century of production that its total sales
record is still decades from being eclipsed.
22 Long
Historical Notes The 22 Long is usually referred to as a combi¬
nation of the Long Rifle case and the Short bullet. This isn’t true
because the 22 Long happens to be 16 years older than the Long
Rifle. It is fisted in the 1871 Great Western Gun Works catalog
for the seven-shot Standard revolver. A few years later it was also
fisted in Remington and Stevens catalogs as a rifle caliber. The 22
Long Rifle wasn’t on the market until 1887. The Long was origi¬
nally a blackpowder number loaded with a 29-grain bullet and 5
grains of powder. Smokeless powder was available for a time in
standard and high-velocity loads. At present only the high-veloc¬
ity load is available. A shot load was also offered.
General Comments The original blackpowder loading of the 22
Long had a slightly higher velocity than the 22 Short or Long
Rifle, but this was not true of later smokeless loads. The present
high-velocity Long has a velocity between the Short and Long
Rifle. The 22 Long is not as accurate as the Short or Long Rifle
and has outlived any useful purpose it might have once had. I
think the reason it hangs on is because a great many people still
think it has a higher velocity and greater killing power than the
Long Rifle. Old ideas, true or not, are difficult to change because
people will not readily accept concepts in opposition to what they
believe. In any event, the 22 Long is strictly a small game, short-
range cartridge just a notch above the 22 Short. Only Remington
and CCI still offer the 22 Long.
22 Long Rifle
Historical Notes Information available indicates the 22 Long
Rifle was developed by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company in
1887. It is the 22 Long case with a 5-grain blackpowder charge
and a 40-grain bullet instead of the original 29-grain. The Peters
Cartridge Co. is supposed to have first manufactured it especially
for Stevens. If this is true, then why does the 1888 Stevens catalog
refer to a UMC 22 caliber Long rimfire rifle cartridge? This would
be a gross ingratitude at best. This 1888 catalog fists their No. 1,2,
9 and 10 model break-open rifles as available in the new caliber
with increased rifling twist. The New Model Pocket or Bicycle rifle
also chambered it. The 1888 Marfin-Ballard catalog recommends
the new 22 Long “Rifle’’ cartridge for their No. 3 Gallery rifle as
being more accurate than the common 22 Long or Extra Long.
At one time the 22 Long Rifle was available in black, semi¬
smokeless and smokeless powder loads. Remington introduced
the first high-velocity type in 1930. Both the 40-grain solid and a
35-38-grain hollowpoint bullet have been available for many
years. The original case was not crimped, a feature that did not
appear until 1900. Space does not permit a discussion of the dif¬
ferent loads and types of 22 Long Rifle cartridges or the rifles and
handguns that chamber it. Suffice to say, it is the most accurate
and highly developed of any rimfire cartridge ever.
General Comments The 22 Long Rifle is the most popular
match cartridge in existence, and also the most widely used small
game and varmint caliber. The high-velocity hollowpoint is the
best field load and will do a good job on rabbit-sized animals out
to 75 yards. Beyond that it is unreliable. The Long Rifle is a great
favorite of poachers for killing game out of season with close-up
head shots. The low report does not alarm or alert local game
wardens. At close range, the high velocity load with the solid lead
bullet will penetrate 6 inches of soft pine and has a maximum
range of nearly two miles. Maximum range is achieved at the rel¬
atively low angle of between 25-30 degrees, so one must be very
careful. Humans shot with the 22 Long Rifle often show little
immediate distress, survive without complications for several
days, then die very suddenly. This is mentioned because many
individuals regard 22 rimfires as playthings, not powerful enough
to be dangerous. Careless shooting with the 22 rimfire has prob¬
ably led to the closure of more areas to hunting and caused more
trouble than any other caliber. Use your head and be careful!
There is also a 22 Long Rifle shot cartridge, loaded by most com¬
panies and useful mostly for rat or snake control.
380 Cartridges of the World
American Rimfire Cartridges
22 Stinger, Spitfire, Viper, Yellow
Jacket, Super-Max, Xpediter, Etc.
Historical Notes The 22 Stinger was the first of a series of
developments aimed at improving the performance of the 22
Long Rifle. Introduced by CCI early in 1977, the concept was
an immediate success and was quickly copied by Winchester
with their Xpediter, by Remington with their Yellow Jacket
and by Federal with their Spitfire. All of these cartridges are
much the same and are based on reducing the weight of the
hollowpoint bullet from 36 to around 30 grains and loading this
into a case full of relatively slow burning powder. The result is
a 30 percent increase in muzzle velocity and 25 percent
increase in muzzle energy as compared to the standard 22
Long Rifle hollowpoint high-velocity loading. The overall
loaded length of these rounds is the same as the regular 22
Long Rifle and so are all other dimensions except the case
length. Some use a standard lenght 22 Long Rifle case and set¬
tle for a somewhat lower muzzle velocity and some use a longer
length case to achieve maximum velocity. As a group, these are
referred to as hyper-velocity 22s. Only Stinger, Yellow Jacket,
and Viper are still in production.
General Comments The author has fired all of the increased
velocity 22 Long Rifle cartridges, available at the time, in both
rifles and handguns and at the same time compared the perfor¬
mance with the standard line of 22 rimfires as well as the 22
WMR. When fired into parafin blocks and soap bars, the hyper¬
velocity hollowpoints demonstrate superior expansion and energy
transfer as compared to the regular high-velocity hollowpoints.
Malfunctions can occur when firing the hypervelocity Long
Rifles in auto pistols, and I don’t think they are well suited to this
type of handgun. However, they work fine in revolvers.
Field-testing does not demonstrate any great advantage of one
over the other in shooting jackrabbits nor any great superiority
over the 22 WMR or over the standard Long Rifle high-velocity
hollowpoint. The hypervelocity cartridges do inflict greater tissue
damage than the 22 LRHP. However, dead is dead and you can’t
accomplish anything beyond that.
These cartridges do provide increased velocity and energy for
22 rimfire rifles. They probably extend the effective range on
varmints or small game by a few yards. These cartridges cost
some 65 percent more than regular 22 Long Rifle HVHP, which
is a negative factor. They certainly have a place in the 22 rimfire
lineup, but their increased performance is most pronounced when
they are fired from a rifle rather than a handgun. In some
instances, particularly in short-barreled pistols and revolvers or
any revolver with a large barrel-cylinder gap, these loads can gen¬
erate much less energy than standard 22 Long Rifle high-velocity
loads. The bullets actually exit the muzzle slower.
22 Hyper-Velocities Factory Ballistics
Bullet (grs.)
Powder/grs.
MV
ME
Source
29
FL, Win.
1680
182
Xpediter (obsolete)
32
FL, CCI
1640
191
Stinger
33
FL, Fed.
1500
164
Spitfire (obsolete)
33
FL, Rem.
1500
164
Yellowjacket
34
FL, Win.
1500
169
Super-Max. (obsolete)
36
FL, Fed.
1410
158
Spitfire (obsolete)
36
FL, Rem.
1410
158
Viper
36
FL, CCI
1425
162
CCI, HP+V
22 Extra Long
Historical Notes Introduced about 1880, it was used in Ballard,
Remington, Stevens, Wesson and late (1916) versions of the 1902
and 1904 Winchester bolt-action 58 rifles, as well as S&W
revolvers. It was listed in ammunition catalogs as late as 1935. It
used the same 40-grain, outside-lubricated bullet that was later
adapted to the 22 Long Rifle, but the longer case held more (6
grains) blackpowder. It was more powerful than the Long Rifle
but not noted for great accuracy. Smokeless powder loads had
nearly the same velocity as the modem Long Rifle loadings.
General Comments The 22 Extra Long will not chamber in
arms made for the Long Rifle, but since the only dimensional dif¬
ference is case length, the Short, Long or Long Rifle can be fired in
the Extra Long chamber. In terms of killing power, the Extra Long
is in the same class as the standard velocity Long Rifle. At one time
the 22 Extra Long was advertised as a 200-yard target cartridge,
but it certainly would not qualify for this by today’s standards. The
length of the case and overall length of the loaded cartridge made
the Extra Long unsuitable to most repeating actions which is
another reason it became obsolete. Never fire any high-velocity or
hyper-velocity 22 cartridge in any bloackpowder gun.
8th Edition 381
Chapter 10
22 Winchester Rimfire (WRF) ( jUSISSMu g
Historical Notes Introduced for the Winchester Model 1890 pump
or slide-action rifle, the original Winchester loading had a flat-nosed
bullet, while Remington used a round nosed type and called it the 22
Remington Special. The two are identical and interchangeable. Bul¬
let can be either a 45-grain solid or 40-grain hollowpoint in standard
or high-velocity loading. This cartridge uses a flat base, inside-lubri¬
cated bullet rather than the “heel” type of outside-lubricated bullet of
the Short, Long, Long Rifle and Extra Long. The 22 WRF was cham¬
bered in various Remington, Stevens and Winchester single shot and
repeating rifles and Colt revolvers. It is no longer loaded by the
ammunition manufacturers, and no one makes rifles for it. However,
in late 1986 Winchester made a special run of 22 WRF ammunition.
This must have been aimed more at collectors than shooters.
General Comments The 22 WRF was the first notable
improvement in the killing power of the various 22 rimfires. It is
not as accurate as the Long Rifle, but in field use this is of no con¬
sequence. Out to 75 yards it will kill small animals more reliably
than the Long Rifle. Although there is little difference in bullet
diameter between the WRF and the standard 22 rimfires, the
WRF has a larger case diameter to accept the full diameter bullet.
It is much too large to fit the standard 22 Long Rifle chamber.
The 22 Short or Long Rifle fits the WRF chamber quite loosely
and will not fire or extract in many guns. When they do fire, the
case often splits which allows particles to escape the action with
possible danger to the shooter and bystanders, and accuracy is
extremely poor. The 22 WRF can be safely fired in any gun cham¬
bered for the 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire. Winchester pro¬
duced one batch of these cartridges in 1995.
22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)
Historical Notes The 22 Magnum Rimfire was introduced in
1959 by Winchester, but they didn’t market a gun to shoot it until
well into the following year. However, Ruger and Smith & Wesson
advertised revolvers for the new round before the end of 1959 and
Savage chambered their Model 24, a 22-410 over/under combina¬
tion gun, for the Magnum Rimfire shortly thereafter. The discontin¬
ued slide-action Winchester Model 61 was the first rifle of their
manufacture available for the new round. At present there is a wide
variety of single shot and repeating rifles, pistols and revolvers of
American and European manufacture available in 22 Magnum
Rimfire caliber. Standard bullet is a jacketed 40 grain type although
Federal introduced a 50 grain bullet in 1988 and CCI has recently
introduced a hyper-velocity loading with a 30-grain bullet and Fed¬
eral soon joined the “hyper-velocity” fray with their similar loading.
General Comments The 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire is an
elongated and more powerful version of the older 22 WRF. Case
dimensions are the same except for length, and the WRF can be
fired in any gun chambered for the Magnum Rimfire. It is not a
safe practice to rechamber older guns for the new round. The 22
WRF is loaded with outside lubricated lead bullets while the 22
WMR is loaded with jacketed bullets. With a 40-grain thin-jack¬
eted bullet at about 1900 fps, this is the most potent rimfire car¬
tridge currently available. It is more powerful than the 22
Winchester Centerfire, forerunner of the 22 Hornet. Claimed bal¬
listics in a 6-inch pistol barrel exceed any other rimfire fired from
a rifle. Thus it is a very effective 125-yard varmint or small game
cartridge, although overly destructive of animals intended for the
pot unless solid bullets are used. CCI also loads a shot version.
22 Winchester Automatic
Historical Notes Used only in the Winchester Model 1903 semi¬
auto rifle it is no longer fisted in the Winchester ammunition cat¬
alog. The rifle has been obsolete since 1932. This cartridge has a
45-grain inside-lubricated bullet and will not chamber in any stan¬
dard 22 Long Rifle gun. It was designed at a time when black and
semi-smokeless powder 22 rimfires were still loaded and popular.
The purpose was to prevent the use of anything but smokeless
powder ammunition in the semi-auto rifle so as not to foul the
action. Blackpowder will gum up such actions and render them
inoperable in short order. Remington brought out a similar car¬
tridge for the same reason but the two are not interchangeable.
General Comments The 22 Winchester Automatic had little to
offer over the standard Long Rifle except smokeless powder and
the semi-auto rifle it was fired in. In killing power and range it is
on a par with the 22 Long, even though it has a heavier bullet.
The cartridge is now a collector’s item.
22 Remington Automatic
Historical Notes This cartridge was developed for the Reming¬
ton Model 16 autoloading rifle, actually introduced in 1914, and
discontinued in 1928. Ammunition has not been loaded since the
end of the World War II. The purpose of the cartridge was the
same as the Winchester 22 Automatic—to prevent the use of
action-gumming blackpowder ammunition in a semi-auto rifle.
No other gun used this round and it is not interchangable with
the 22 Winchester. This is an example of jealous rivalry if ever
there was one.
General Comments This was another 22 Long-class cartridge.
It had an inside-lubricated 45-grain bullet in solid or hollowpoint
type, both of the same weight and ballistics. It was not as accu¬
rate or effective as the Long Rifle.
382 Cartridges of the World
American Rimfire Cartridges
22ILARCO 22 Short Magnum Rimfire
Historical Notes The 22 ILARCO Rimfire originated in 1987
and was manufactured in experimental quantities by Winchester
for Illinois Arms Company. It is the 22 Winchester Magnum Rim¬
fire shortened to the same loaded length as the 22 Long Rifle. It
was chambered in the Illinois Arms Company’s Model 180
auto/semi-auto rifle that features a 165-round drum-type maga¬
zine. The full auto version was available only to law enforcement
agencies. The reason for the shorter cartridge was that the Mod¬
el 180 was designed for the 22 Long Rifle and the action would
not handle the longer 22 WMR. Illinois Arms Company was
bought out by Feather Industries of Boulder, Colorado and the 22
ILARCO was to be discontinued. The cartridge is sometimes
referred to as the 22 WMR Short.
General Comments Shortening the 22 WMR made sense even
though there is some velocity loss. For one thing, the short case uses
the same jacketed bullet as the parent cartridge and doesn’t pick up
dirt and debris the way sticky outside-lubricated 22 Long Rifle car¬
tridges can. With a 165-round magazine and full auto fire, this is a
matter of some importance. Also, the 22 WMR is too long to function
in practically all current 22 semi-auto pistols, but many of these could
be adapted to fire the 22 ILARCO. However, this cartridge never went
into production and existing specimens are now collector’s items.
22 ILARCO 22 Short Magnum Rimfire Loading Data
Powder/grs. MV ME Source
^ ^35_160_Winchester Factory Load
25 Short
Historical Notes Originally this pistol cartridge was developed
for the F.D. Bliss revolver and also known as the 25 Bacon &
Bliss. It was chambered in other cheap handguns of the period.
Date of introduction was around 1860 and both Remington and
Winchester fisted it in catalogs up to 1920. It’s a collector’s item
now.
General Comments The 25 Short had a 43 grain outside-lubri¬
cated bullet and 5 grains of powder. Bullet diameter is actually
.245- to .246-inch and it closely resembles the 22 Short. In power it
is similar to the blackpowder 22 Long Rifle fired from a short pistol
barrel. There is no record of any rifle having been chambered for
the 25 Short. It should not be confused with the 25 Stevens Short.
25 Stevens Short
Historical Notes Introduced in 1902 this cartridge was intend¬
ed as a shorter, cheaper and less powerful version of the 25
Stevens. Original loading used 4V2 to 5 grains of blackpowder,
but only smokeless powder was used when it was discontinued in
1942. Remington, Winchester and Stevens rifles used this round.
It could be fired in any rifle chambered for the longer 25 Stevens.
General Comments The 25 Stevens Short was not nearly as
effective a field cartridge as the longer version. However, it
was somewhat cheaper and certainly as good or better than
the 22 Short for small game at close range. More expensive
than the 22 Long Rifle and no better for hunting purposes, it
was never popular.
8th Edition 383
Chapter 10
25 Stevens
Historical Notes Various dates can be found for the introduc¬
tion of the 25 Stevens with most authorities agreeing on 1900.
Reference in old books and catalogs would indicate an actual date
of 1890, but this is not certain. In any event it was developed
jointly by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. and the Peters Car¬
tridge Co. The Stevens “Crack Shot” #15 rifle came out in 1900,
and one of its original calibers was the 25 Stevens. However, the
Stevens “Favorite” rifle, manufactured from 1894 to 1935, may
have been the first model available in this caliber. Both of these
are under-lever single shots. Remington and Winchester also
chambered rifles for the 25 Stevens. Original load was a 67-grain
bullet and 10 to 11 grains of blackpowder. Semi-smokeless pow¬
der was also used, but smokeless was the only propellent offered
when it was discontinued in 1942. Remington did preliminary
work on an improved, high-velocity loading prior to WWII, but
the project was dropped after the war. The improved round,
called the 267 Remington Rimfire, was rumored to have had a
muzzle velocity of 1400 fps with the 67-grain bullet.
General Comments The 25 Stevens had an excellent reputa¬
tion on small game without ruining edible meat. Most complaints
centered around the high cost of ammunition as compared to the
22 Long Rifle and the high trajectory which made hits beyond
60-70 yards difficult. For years, gun writers called for a high-
velocity version, but the ammunition companies did not respond.
With modem powder and a longer case, a velocity of 1600 to 1800
fps might be possible.
Rifles are no longer chambered for it, and ammunition isn’t
manufactured anymore, so it appears to be a dead number. Many
who used the 25 Stevens were sorry to see it go, but with the 22
Magnum Rimfire there isn’t much need for it. It had an inside-
lubricated bullet and was available with solid and hollowpoint
bullets.
30 Short
e®
Historical Notes This old-timer originated in the early 1860s
and was used mostly in low-priced handguns such as the Sharps
four-barrel, the Standard revolver and various single shots. Colt
New Line revolvers were also made in 30 Short and Long caliber.
The 30 Short was listed in ammunition catalogs as late as 1919.
General Comments The 30 Short had a 50- to 58-grain lead
bullet and 5 to 6 grains of blackpowder. Not a powerful round by
any standard, its use was confined to pocket or house guns. It was
not as good a cartridge as the 32 Short rimfire and one wonders
why it survived for so long a time. It is now a collector’s item.
30 Long
Historical Notes This rimfire was cataloged as early as 1873, but
may have originated earlier. Adapted to Colt, Standard X.L. and
Sharps handguns, it was also used in some single shot rifles. The
30 Short survived until 1920; the 30 Long disappeared before WWI.
General Comments The 30 Short and 30 Long were inter¬
changeable in most guns. Bullet was actually .290- to .295-inch
and of outside-lubricated type. Power of the 30 Long was about
the same as the 32 Short rimfire.
32 Extra Short
Historical Notes This cartridge was made for the Remington
magazine pistol and the Chicago Firearms Co.’s “Protector” palm
pistol. The Remington pistol was manufactured from 1871 until
1888 and the odd palm pistol originated sometime in the 1880s.
This fixes the date of introduction for the 32 Extra Short at 1871,
though some authorities indicate a later date. The cartridge was
listed in Remington catalogs until 1920. It was also known as the
32 Protector.
General Comments The 32 was a popular caliber for both
handguns and rifles for many years. The 32 Extra Short was
probably designed to increase the magazine capacity of the
Remington-Rider magazine pistol. Since it held five short
rounds, it would have held only three of the standard 32 Short
rimfires. A longer pistol would have been unhandy and a
reduced magazine capacity not competitive with the five- and
seven-shot revolvers of the day. Sales departments have to con¬
sider all these angles. The Remington magazine pistol had a
tubular magazine below the barrel and a “lever” that protruded
slightly above the hammer. Lever and hammer were drawn
back together which cocked the gun and extracted the empty
shell. Release of the lever chambered a new round as it returned
to the forward position. It was of limited popularity. Original
load was 5 to 5 V 2 grains of blackpowder with a 54- to 60-grain
lead bullet.
384 Cartridges of the World
American Rimfire Cartridges
32 Short
Historical Notes The 32 Short rimfire originated under a Smith
& Wesson patent of 1860 and early cartridge boxes were so
marked. It was first used in the Smith & Wesson New Model #1V 2 ,
and #2 revolvers. It was later adapted to Colt revolvers and others
with names such as Allen, Blue Jacket, Enterprise, Favorite, Whit-
ney, X.L. and many, many others. It was also used in a variety of
rifles mcluding Remington, Stevens and Winchester. It was loaded
and listed in some ammunition catalogs as late as 1972. Navy
Arms had ammunition in this caliber made in Brazil in 1990.
Ammunition in this caliber is now available from that source.
General Comments Rifles and pistols using the 32 Short rim¬
fire were popular up to the early 1900s. Stevens single shot rifles
were available in this caliber until 1936. There are tens of thou¬
sands of guns around for this cartridge. It actually was a good
small game caliber out to 50 yards as it would kill cleanly with
hits in the forward body area and not spoil meat. Accuracy is not
outstanding, but adequate for field use. However, ammunition in
this caliber costs more than the 22 Long Rifle which is a consid¬
eration in choosing a rimfire gun. The 32 rimfire is obsolete. Orig¬
inal load had an 80-grain bullet and 9 grains of blackpowder.
32 Long
Historical Notes The 32 Long was originally a revolver caliber,
which was later used extensively in various rifles. It was intro¬
duced for the Smith & Wesson New Model #2 revolver in 1861. It
was quickly picked up by other manufacturers and offered in
such makes as the Allen, Enterprise, Favorite, Forehand &
Wadsworth, Harrington & Richardson, Pioneer, Webley, X.L. and
many others. The Colt New Line revolvers were available in this
caliber also. Stevens single shot pistols and rifles featured it, as
did Marlin, Ballard, Maynard, Remington and Winchester single
shot rifles. It is no longer produced in the U.S. Navy Arms had
ammunition in this caliber made in Brazil in 1990. Ammunition
in this caliber is now available from that source.
General Comments The 32 Long rimfire has a heavier bullet
and delivers more energy than the 32 Short although velocity is
about the same. Original load had an outside-lubricated, 90-
grain lead bullet with 12 to 13 grains of blackpowder. It was a
good short-range small game number because, like other car¬
tridges in the same class, it killed cleanly without ruining edible
meat. However, it was not effective beyond 50 yards because of
the relatively high trajectory making bullet placement difficult
at long range. Single shot Stevens rifles of this caliber were
made until 1936.
32 Long Rifle
Historical Notes This cartridge has an inside-lubricated bullet
and a longer case than the regular 32 Long rimfire. It appears on
cartridge lists from 1900 into the early 1920s. Both Remington
and Winchester loaded it. Some say it was a smokeless powder
improvement over the older 32 Long, but the 1918-19 Remington
catalog lists it as available in blackpowder loading only. It has
been obsolete for many years and is a collector’s item.
General Comments Case length of the 32 Long Rifle is
between that of the 32 Long and Extra Long rimfire; other dimen¬
sions are practically identical. It could be fired in any rifle cham¬
bered for the Extra Long and most rifles or revolvers made to
handle the Long. The outside-lubricated bullet was messy to car¬
ry in the pocket or loose in a container. They picked up lint and
dirt, greased and stained the pocket, etc. Inside-lubricated bullets
are much cleaner to handle under any conditions which is the
reason efforts were made to produce such versions of the outside-
lubricated types. However, this required a smaller diameter bul¬
let which gave unacceptable accuracy in the original barrel. That
may have been why the 32 Long Rifle had a short life. No one
seems to have made a gun specifically for it, or at least the author
found no reference to such. Original load was an 81-82-grain lead
bullet with 13 grains of blackpowder.
32 Extra Long
Historical Notes Exact date of introduction of this cartridge is
obscure. It is listed in various catalogs of 1876 so it probably orig¬
inated in the mid 1870s. Ballard, Remington, Stevens and Wes¬
son single shot rifles chambered it. It does not appear in post
WWI catalogs. Many gun companies charged extra for rifles
chambered to shoot any of the extra long rim or centerfire car¬
tridges. Some authorities place the date of introduction as 1866.
General Comments Original load for the 32 Extra Long rim¬
fire was a 90-grain outside-lubricated lead bullet and 18 to 20
grains of blackpowder. The bullet is the same as that used in the
ordinary 32 Long, but there were variations, depending on who
manufactured the ammunition. The 32 Extra Long was not a
very accurate cartridge and never established itself as a match
round. For hunting it extends the effective range of the rimfire 32
out to perhaps 65-75 yards, but doesn’t possess appreciably
greater killing power than the 32 Long.
8th Edition 385
Chapter 10
Historical Notes When the Civil War ended in 1865, a number
of rimfire cartridges had been developed and used successfully in
battle. Most were large caliber rifle cartridges. After the war
there was a demand for smaller caliber metallic cartridges for
revolvers and sporting rifles. Both the 38 Short and Long rimfire
date from this period. They are listed in the 1869 Folsom Bros. &
Co. gun catalog. The Remington Model 1866 revolving rifle was
available in 38 rimfire. In 1871 the Remington New Model
revolver was advertised as available with an extra 38 rimfire
cylinder. The 38 Short rimfire was listed in the 1876 J. Brown &
Son catalog as for Ballard, Remington and Wesson rifles and
Allen, Colt, Enterprise, Whitney, X.L. and other pistols. This is
now an obsolete cartridge, but it was manufactured until 1940.
General Comments The 38 Short rimfire is in the same class
as the centerfire 38 Short Colt. Original loading was a 130-grain
lead bullet and 18 grains of blackpowder. Like most older rim-
fires, the bullet is outside-lubricated. Bullet diameter is .375-inch,
the same as the ball fired in 36-caliber cap and ball revolvers. The
38 Short probably originated as a cartridge for breech-loading
conversions of these old revolvers. Many catalogs listed the 38
Short as for pistols and revolvers, whereas the 38 Long is shown
as a rifle type. The Rollin White patent covering the bored-
through cylinder, held by Smith & Wesson, did not expire until
1869. This undoubtedly had an effect on the use of the rimfire 38
Short for revolvers.
38 Long
Historical Notes The rimfire 38 Long is another old-timer dat¬
ing back to before 1865 and the end of the Civil War. The Rem-
ington-Beals single shot rifle was available in 38 Long from 1867
until it was discontinued in 1875. The Remington revolving rifle
of 1866 was also made for it. It was used in Allen, Ballard, Rem¬
ington, Stevens and Wesson rifles of later date and in Enterprise,
Favorite, Forehand & Wadsworth and Colt revolvers. It was a
popular rifle and pistol caliber up to the turn of the century. It
was replaced by similar centerfire rounds. American companies
stopped loading it in the late 1920s.
General Comments The rimfire 38 Long is in the same gener¬
al class as the centerfire 38 Long Colt. Original load was a 150-
grain outside-lubricated bullet and 18 grains of blackpowder.
However, loads varied with different manufacturers from a 140-
to 150-grain bullet and up to 21 grains of powder with the light
bullet. In a rifle it was a good short-range small game load, but
accuracy was only fair. No one has made rifles of this caliber since
the end of WWI.
38 Extra Long
Historical Notes The rimfire 38 Extra Long appeared about
1870 and was chambered in Ballard, Howard, Remington,
Robinson and F. Wesson single shot rifles. It was not a stan¬
dard Ballard caliber, but a special order item which cost 50
cents extra. It was strictly a rifle caliber, being too long for
most revolvers. Because of mediocre accuracy plus the devel¬
opment of similar centerfire cartridges, the 38 Extra Long
rimfire did not have a long life. It was not carried in the 1918-
19 Remington catalog but was listed in the 1916 Winchester
catalog.
General Comments The 38 Extra Long is in a class well below
the centerfire 38-40 WCF blackpowder loading. Original load was
a 150-grain outside-lubricated bullet and 30-31 grains of black¬
powder. However, some companies loaded fighter bullets down to
140 grains with slightly more powder. It was not a bad small to
medium game cartridge out to about 80 yards or so. It was intro¬
duced at a time when the centerfire was emerging as the domi¬
nant type so it did not build up a following. The centerfire 38
Extra Long was developed by Ballard in 1855-56 and was pre¬
ferred because it was reloadable.
386 Cartridges of the World
American Rimfire Cartridges
41 Short (Derringer)
Historical Notes This is an old and once very popular rimfire
because of the light, handy arms that chambered it. The 41 Short
was introduced with the National Arms Co. breech-loading der¬
ringer in 1863. It was originally called the 41-100 rimfire. The
National derringer was patented by Daniel Moore in 1861 and 1863.
It was made by National from its introduction to 1870 when the
company was purchased by Colt. From 1872 to 1890 this rotating
barrel, single shot derringer was manufactured by Colt. They also
adapted the 41 Short to the Thuer-patented or third model der¬
ringer and the House pistol or “Cloverleaf’ cylinder model of 1871.
Derringers made by Allen, Enterprise, Williamson, X.L. and others
were also of 41 Short caliber. The Remington over/under or double
derringer manufactured from 1866 to 1935 was the most famous
and popular of the lot. Several low-priced pocket revolvers were also
chambered for the 41 Short. It has been obsolete since WWII, but
special lots of ammunition have been loaded since the war.
General Comments The 41 rimfire Short is so under-powered
as to be worthless for anything but rats, mice or sparrows at short
range. Fired from the average derringer at a tree or hard object
15 to 25 yards away, the bullet will often bounce back and land at
your feet. Nevertheless, it was a popular self-defense cartridge
and at point-blank range could inflict a severe wound or kill a
human being. 41 derringer pistols were more of a threat or
morale builder than anything else. Original load was a 130-grain
outside lubricated lead bullet and 13 grains of blackpowder. Late
loads used smokeless powder.
Historical Notes This is a longer and slightly more powerful
version of the 41 Short. It originated in 1873 and the Colt New
Line revolvers appear to be the first to chamber it. The Enter¬
prise #4, Favorite #4, Forehand & Wadsworth, Webley and other
revolvers were available in this caliber. A few cheap, single shot
rifles also chambered it. It has been obsolete since the 1920s.
General Comments The rimfire 41 Long is a better cartridge
than the Short, but not by much. There was some variation in
bullet weight and powder charge, but the original load used a
163-grain bullet and 13 to 15 grains of blackpowder. The center-
fire 41 Short is an outgrowth of this cartridge. Guns chambered
for the Long could also shoot the 41 Short rimfire. In power this
cartridge is in about the same class as the 38 S&W centerfire in
blackpowder loading.
41 Swiss
See Chapter 7 for the 10.4x38Rmm.
44 Short
Historical Notes The 44 Short was a handgun cartridge
although it could be fired in arms chambered for the 44 Long rim¬
fire. It is well established in old catalogs dating from 1870 and was
chambered in popular pistols and revolvers, including those made
by Allen, Forehand & Wadsworth and Remington. It is best noted
as being the cartridge for the single shot Hammond “Bulldog” pis¬
tol made by the Connecticut Arms & Mfg. Company of Naubuc,
Conn. This pistol is believed to have been marketed before the end
of the Civil War, which would place the date of origin of the 44
Short at about 1864-65. It has been obsolete since the 1920s.
General Comments The rimfire 44 Short is a better handgun
cartridge than the 41 Short or Long, but was not generally as
popular. The type and variety of guns that chambered it were
rather limited. Original load was a 200- or 210-grain outside-
lubricated bullet and 15 to 17 grains of blackpowder. Velocity was
low, but with the 200-grain bullet, short-range stopping power
was fairly good. It is similar to the centerfire British 44 Webley
cartridge in performance.
44 Long
Historical Notes The rimfire 44 Long originated with the
Ethan Allen carbine patented in 1860 and manufactured by Allen
& Wheelock of Worcester, Mass. It was later adapted to rifles
made by Ballard, Howard, Remington, Robinson and F. Wesson.
It was fairly popular but replaced by similar centerfire types. It
became obsolete in the early 1920s.
General Comments With a 220-grain bullet and 28 grains of
blackpowder, the 44 Long was a potent short-range cartridge for
small game. The 44-40 WCF rapidly became the dominant 44-cal-
iber cartridge after it was introduced in 1873. It could be reloaded
and was available in repeating rifles and revolvers, important
factors on the western frontier. Other 44 cartridges, particularly
the rimfire, gradually declined in use and popularity. The 44
Long is not as powerful or as accurate as the 44-40.
8th Edition 387
Chapter 10
44 Extra Long
mm
Historical Notes This Ballard-developed cartridge is a longer,
more powerful version of the rimfire 44 Long. Unfortunately, it
was introduced about 1869 and soon the 44-40 Winchester was
establishing a reputation in the West. It had a very short life and
was obsolete by the 1880s. The exact date of introduction is
vague, but probably between 1870-75. It is listed in the 1876 cat¬
alogs as adapted to Ballard, Remington and F. Wesson rifles.
General Comments The 44 Extra Long is not as good a gener¬
al purpose cartridge as the 44-40 Winchester. For one thing it
used an outside-lubricated bullet and in addition the overall
length was too long for many repeating actions. It was loaded
with a 218-grain bullet and 46 grains of blackpowder. It was not
noted for great accuracy. In power it would be primarily a small
game number. Effective range was not much over 75 yards or so.
44 Henry Flat
Historical Notes This old, historic cartridge is one of the mile¬
stones in the development of modem arms and ammunition. It
was developed by B. Tyler Henry for the lever-action repeating
rifle bearing his name, the forerunner of the Winchester rifle. The
Henry rifle was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. from
1860 to 1866, at which time it was reorganized as the Winchester
Repeating Arms Co. The 44 Henry cartridge was manufactured
from 1860-61 to 1934. There are two versions of the cartridge.
The early case was .815-inch long. Bullet and powder charge were
the same. Colt revolvers were also made in 44 Henry caliber. The
Henry rifle and cartridge saw limited use in the Civil War.
General Comments The 44 Henry, although quite success¬
ful, was not a powerful round. Barely adequate for deer and
certainly no match for buffalo or grizzly bear, its principal
advantage was in the 15-shot repeating rifle. This provided
undreamed of firepower, something that could be decisive in
combat. In recognition of this fact, Winchester brought out an
improved rifle chambered for the 44-40 cartridge in 1873.
From that date on, Winchester was in continuing competition
with the makers of single shot rifles and their big powerful
buffalo cartridges. The 44 Henry used a 200-grain bullet and
26-28 grains of blackpowder.
46 Short
Historical Notes The 46 Short rimfire is usually listed for the
Remington Single Action Army revolver. However, the 1878 and
1891 Winchester catalogs both describe this cartridge as: “For
Remington, Smith & Wesson and other Army revolvers.” Both
Remington and Winchester loaded this cartridge and it was car¬
ried in their catalogs up to World War I, but did not appear after
the war. Date of introduction was circa 1870.
General Comments The 46 Short rimfire was fisted in Rem¬
ington catalogs as having a 227-grain bullet and 20 grains of
blackpowder. Winchester loading was a 230-grain bullet and 26
grains of powder. As a revolver cartridge, it would have been less
powerful than the 44-40. WCF.
46 Long
Historical Notes The 46 Long rimfire was listedin an advertise¬
ment by Schuler, Hartley & Graham’s in 1864. It is listed in the
1887 Remington catalog as a short-range chambering for the Rem¬
ington rolling block single shot Sporting Rifle No. 1 and also for
Ballard rifles. The cartridge was loaded by Remington, Winchester
and others and carried in ammunition catalogs up to World War I,
but did not survive the war. It originated in the early 1970s.
General Comments The 46 Long was loaded by Remington
with a 305-grain bullet and 35 grains of blackpowder. Winchester
fisted a 300-grain bullet and 40 grains of powder. There may have
been other loadings by other companies. It was a marginal short-
range deer cartridge.
388 Cartridges of the World
American Rimfire Cartridges
46 Extra Long
Historical Notes The 46 Extra Long rimfire was a Ballard
cartridge for their single shot rifle and may also have been used
by others. It does not appear in the Remington 1871 catalog so it
originated sometime after that date. Remington appears to
have been the only one who loaded this cartridge and it was car¬
ried in their later catalogs up to World War I, but did reappear
after the war.
General Comments Remington listed the 46 Extra Long as
being loaded with a 305-grain bullet and 57 grains of blackpow-
der. There was never a smokeless loading. It would have been
somewhat more powerful than the 46 Long and a better short-
range deer cartridge. None of the 46-caliber rifle cartridges
enjoyed a reputation for great accuracy. However, since they sur¬
vived for quite a few years they did have a fair following.
Historical Notes Developed for the single shot, rolling block,
Remington Navy pistol of 1865, this load was replaced within a
year by an identical inside primed, centerfire type. The final com¬
mercial version, Boxer primed, was manufactured until World
War I. The Remington Navy pistol has been obsolete since the
early 1870s.
General Comments The 50-caliber rimfire was a rather potent
handgun round. Velocity was low, but the big heavy bullet would
have had considerable knockdown power. However, 44- or 45-cal¬
iber handguns are more efficient and the military eventually
standardized on 45-caliber cartridge arms. Original load was a
290-grain bullet and 23 grains of blackpowder.
56-46 Spencer
Historical Notes A post-Civil War sporting cartridge intro¬
duced by Spencer in 1866 for his repeating small carbine and
sporting rifle. It was also listed as the #46 or 46/100 caliber.
Spencer lever-action sporting arms were manufactured from
1866 until the firm failed in 1868-69. Winchester bought up the
surplus guns and Spencer patents, but did not manufacture
them. However, they sold off the surplus rifles through their
agents from 1869 to 1872. The cartridge has been obsolete since
before WWI, but was loaded until 1919.
General Comments The 56-46 Spencer is actually a 44-cal¬
iber, bottlenecked cartridge considerably more powerful than
the 44-40 WCF, although it uses a heavier bullet. A 320- to 330-
grain bullet and 45 grains of blackpowder was the standard
load. It was a fairly good short-range deer cartridge, but not sat-
isfactory for larger game. The actions of early repeating rifles
were not suited to large or long cartridges. This lack of power
caused many hunters and the military to adopt the single shot,
even though the repeater was well proven. Full powered repeat¬
ing rifles, able to compete with the single shot on any basis, did¬
n’t appear until 1880.
56-50 Spencer
Historical Notes This cartridge was actually designed by
Springfield Armory late in 1861. It was used in the 1865 model
Spencer repeating carbine, a seven-shot, lever-action arm with 20-
or 22-inch barrel. Magazine was in the buttstock, and it was
loaded through a trap as with modem 22 rimfire rifles. This par¬
ticular rifle and cartridge was manufactured too late for use in the
Civil War, but was issued to troops fighting Indians on the west¬
ern frontier. The 56-50 cartridge was fisted in ammunition cata¬
logs until 1920. The 1918-19 Remington catalog illustrated it as:
“adapted to Spencer, Remington UMC, Sharps, Peabody and oth¬
er rifles and carbines.” The 1865 Spencer incorporated the Stabler
magazine cutoff not present on earlier models. Spencer did not like
the 56-50 cartridge because he thought it had an excessive crimp
and it is not advertised in Spencer catalogs. He designed a slight¬
ly different version which became known as the 56-52.
General Comments The 56-50 cartridge was loaded with a
350-grain bullet and 45 grains of blackpowder. It could penetrate
almost a foot of soft pine at a range of 15 feet and was a potent
short-range caliber. It was adequate for deer-sized animals, but
not satisfactory against larger game. Most western hunters pre¬
ferred the more powerful single shot rifles and their big, long-
range cartridges. The Spencer action was not adaptable to the
long centerfire cartridges that were developed in the years imme¬
diately after the Civil War.
8th Edition 389
Chapter 10
56-52 Spencer
Historical Notes Dating from 1866, this is an alteration of
the army-designed 56-50, which Spencer believed had too
much crimp. His approach was to incorporate a slight bottle¬
neck, but many manufacturers omitted this, so it is difficult to
distinguish between the two rounds. However, they are inter¬
changeable and any arm chambered for one will fire the other.
Spencer 56-52 ammunition was listed in ammunition catalogs
up to 1920.
General Comments The 56-52 is more a sporting than a mili¬
tary round. Power is the same as the 56-50, but some companies
loaded a heavier bullet. Remington produced a cartridge with 45
grains of powder and a two-groove, flat-point, 400-grain bullet.
The 56-50 was always loaded with a 350-grain bullet. By modem
standards, the 56-52 would barely qualify as a short-range deer
caliber. It is slightly more powerful than modem smokeless fac¬
tory 44-40 WCF loads.
56-56 Spencer
Historical Notes This is the original cartridge for the first
Spencer rifle and carbine, patented March 6,1860 and manufac¬
tured in quantity beginning in 1862. Despite great opposition
from the U.S. Army Ordnance Department, these guns were
finally adopted and used during the Civil War. They first
appeared at the battle of Antietam in September, 1862, and later
played a decisive role in other important engagements. The
Spencer is credited as having provided the Union armies with an
advantage in firepower that gave them a critical edge in turning
back the Confederate forces at Gettysburg. President Lincoln
tested the Spencer rifle in 1863 and insisted the Army place sub¬
stantial orders with Christopher M. Spencer. Many authorities
insist that if the Spencer rifle had been adopted at the onset of
the war and issued early and in quantity, it would have short¬
ened the Civil War by a year or more and greatly reduced the ulti¬
mate number of casualties. The 56-56 cartridge was loaded by
ammunition manufacturers until 1920.
General Comments The Spencer rifle was a seven-shot
repeater of lever-action type with the magazine located in the
buttstock and loaded through a trap in the buttplate. It could be
fired at the rate of seven shots in 12 seconds, faster in the hands
of a real expert. Parts were interchangeable, and the gun could be
disassembled with only a screwdriver. The 56-56 cartridge was
loaded with a 350/60-grain bullet and 42 to 45 grains of black-
powder. Bullet diameter varies from .540- to .555-inch between
various makes of ammunition. Ballard and Joslyn carbines also
used this cartridge. It was a short-range number, not very effec¬
tive on anything larger than deer.
58 Miller
58 Allin
Historical Notes This cartridge was used in the 1867 Miller
breech-loading conversion system of the muzzle-loading Spring-
field rifled musket. It was listed in an advertisement by
Schuyler, Hartley & Graham’s in 1864. It came in two case
lengths, 13/ie inches and l 7 /ie inches and was used chiefly in
first-model Allin conversions. The Miller swinging block conver¬
sion was one of a number of experimental alterations used by
the military in an effort to salvage the million-plus 58-caliber
muskets left over from the Civil War. The idea was to convert
these to some viable breech-loading system rather than scrap
them. Although some of the conversion units worked quite well,
the effort was not entirely successful and most of these guns
were sold off as surplus or scrap metal. There must have been a
fair number of the Miller conversions around though because
the cartridge was listed in ammunition catalogs at least as late
as 1910. This cartridge is also called the 585 Springfield, 58
Musket, 58 Allen and 58 Ball.
General Comments The 58 Miller rimfire featured a 500-grain
bullet backed by 60 grains of blackpowder for a muzzle velocity of
approximately 1150 fps. It would have been a pretty good short-
range deer cartridge. Some specimens have a heavy crimp which
effects the measurable length of the unfired case, resulting in
variations in published figures as to the case length. Remington,
Winchester and others listed this round.
390 Cartridges of the World
American Rimfire Cartridges
THE HYPER-VELOCITY 22s
THE 22 RIMFIRES are our oldest self-contained metallic car¬
tridges having originated with the 22 Short back in 1857. From
time to time various improvements have been introduced by
manufacturers, starting with smokeless powder loadings in 1888.
Non-corrosive priming was adopted in 1927, and high-velocity
loadings in 1930. In about 1965 Remington marketed a super-
velocity 22 Short they called the “Rocket,” which featured a com¬
pressed composition 15-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of
1710 fps. These were intended primarily as a shooting gallery
load with a frangible bullet that would pulverize on striking a
metal backstop. The author used them in a small 22 Short cham¬
bered auto pistol and various 22 revolvers and found them very
deadly on rodents and other small animals at close range. The 22
Rocket was discontinued after about 5 years, probably because of
a poor sales record. In 1977 CCI introduced their “Stinger” 22
Long Rifle loaded with a 32-grain hollowpoint bullet starting out
at 1640 fps which provides an increase in muzzle velocity of 360
fps over the older high-velocity type. Federal, Remington and
Winchester quickly jumped on the bandwagon with their own
version. These have been collectively designated as hyper-veloci¬
ty 22s to indicate their greater or increased velocity as compared
to high-speed or high-velocity 22s. They are only manufactured
in 22 Long Rifle type.
The original loading of the 22 Long Rifle was a 40-grain bullet
in front of 5 grains of blackpowder for an initial velocity of 1150
fps. When smokeless powder was first loaded, the same veloci¬
ty/pressure relationship as blackpowder was used so as not to cre¬
ate problems with existing firearms. This continued for 42 years
until Remington introduced the high-velocity load with the same
bullet stepped up to 1250 fps. There was also a 36-grain HP bul¬
let with a muzzle velocity of 1280 fps. These ballistics have
remained fairly constant right up to the present except for minor
variations between makes. CCI’s Stinger pushed velocity up to
1640 fps, but with a lighter 32-grain hollowpoint bullet. To some
extent this is a sort of hyper-velocity 22 Long, because the bullet
weighs only 3 grains more than the 22 Short bullet. Federal,
Remington and Winchester versions have muzzle velocities from
1410 to 1680 fps, and bullets that vary from 32 to 36 grains. Vari¬
ations in bullet weight depend on the type of bullet, solid or hol¬
lowpoint. There is also a difference in bullet shape, some being
conventional round-nosed while others are a truncated cone.
Increase in performance is achieved by several means including a
lighter bullet, modem slower burning powder and a slight length¬
ening of the case which combined with the lighter/shorter bullet
leaves more room for powder. This allows an increase in velocity
with only a slight increase in pressure. Therefore hyper-velocity
cartridges can be used in any modem firearm in good condition
made specifically to handle 22 Long Rifle cartridges. On the oth¬
er hand, they should not be used in alloy revolvers and also they
don’t function well in some semi-auto pistols. This is particularly
true for the Llama Model XV, which has an undersize bore, and
may cause hazardous case ruptures. I understand it is possible to
order barrels with standard bore dimensions for these pistols;
this will eliminate the problem. The author has testfired the var¬
ious makes of 22 hyper-velocity in a variety of rifles and hand¬
guns with no problems. (.Editor's Note: Having chronographed
every available u hyper-velocity n 22 in several revolvers and pistols
with barrels from 2 to 6 1 / 2 inches in length, I have to mention that
ballistics can be very disappointing. Often, but not always, veloc¬
ity of standard high-velocity hollowpoint loads is actually higher
in spite of the heavier bullets usually used . The only way you can
know how a specific load will perform in your handgun is to
chronograph it)
The author’s test-firing was both on the range and in the field.
This has demonstrated that like most everything else, hyper¬
velocity 22s have both good and, a few, bad points. Accuracy test¬
ing was conducted at 50 yards using a benchrest and a
scope-sighted 22 bolt-action rifle with the capability of shooting
into V 2 -inch or less at 50 yards. It is necessary to establish some
sort of base line or standard of comparison in order to evaluate the
hyper-velocity 22s. The only way to do this is to also test some
standard and high-velocity 22s and see how the hyper-velocities
compare with those. The author has a number of boxes of old Rem¬
ington standard velocity Long Rifles (1150 fps) that consistently
shoot into V 2 -inch or better at 50 yards plus a variety of high-veloc¬
ity Long Rifles; these were tested first/. The hyper-velocity 22s
were then tested in the same rifle and under the same conditions.
The results are compared in, Table #2. Test firing consisted of five,
five-shot groups shot with each different brand and type of ammu¬
nition listed in the tables. Results of these five-shot groups were
then averaged for each type of cartridge. For the purpose of this
test, high and low are not of any particular value so are not record¬
ed. Average of each of the five, five-shot groups provides a good
basis for comparison because a single five-shot group doesn’t nec-
TABLE1
Ballistics of Amunition Used in the Test Series
Cartridge
Bullet
Wt. (grs.)
40
Velocity (fps)
Energy (ft lbs)
Mid-Range Traj.
Remarks
Remington Std. Velocity
Type
Solid
Muzzle
1150
100 yds.
976
Muzzle
117
100 yds.
85
(in.)
100 yds.
4.0
Std. Vel.
Reminton Thunderbolt
Solid
40
1255
1017
140
92
3.6
Hi Vel.
Federal HiPower
HP
38
1280
1020
138
88
3.1
Hi Vel.
Win.-Western Super X
HP
37
1280
1015
135
85
3.5
Hi Vel.
CCI Mini Mag
HP
36
1280
1012
135
84
3.5
Hi Vel.
HYPER VELOCITY
CCI Stinger
HP
32
1640
1132
191
91
2.6
Federal Spitfire
Solid
36
1410
1055
160
90
2.6
Truncated Cone
Federal Spitfire
HP
33
1500
1075
165
85
2.3
Truncated Cone
Remington Viper
Solid
36
1410
1055
165
90
2.6
Truncated Cone
Remington Yellow Jacket
HP
33
1500
1075
165
85
2.3
Truncated Cone
Winchester Super-Max
HP
34
1500
1056
170
84
2.8
Winchester Xpediter
HP
29
1680
1145
182
95
2.4
8th Edition 391
Chapter 10
essarily mean much. Averaging multiple groups helps to reduce
the effects of human error. The first groups fired were with stan¬
dard-velocity Remington ammunition which has a 40-grain bullet
at 1150 fps. This was the most accurate of all ammunition tested
and produced an average group size of 3 / 4 -inch. The high-velocity
types with either 40-grain solid bullets or 36-grain hollowpoints at
from 1250 to 1280 fps all managed to average 1-inch. This provid¬
ed a reasonably good yardstick against which to measure the com¬
parative accuracy of hyper-velocity 22s. Firing conditions were
ideal throughout the test with almost dead calm and sun to the
rear. Naturally, with a different rifle results would not necessari¬
ly be the same, but time did not permit repeating this test with
different rifles. Also, run of the mill slide-action, lever-action or
semi-auto 22 would probably not shoot as well.
Moving to the hyper-velocity 22s, CCI’s Stingers were the first
tested. These have a 32-grain hollowpoint bullet at a muzzle
velocity of 1640 fps and made a group average of 2 V 4 inches. Fed¬
eral’s Spitfires were next, the 36-grain solid at 1410 fps averaged
2 3 /4 inches, with the 35-grain hollowpoint at 1500 fps doing better
with an average of 2 V 2 inches. Remington’s Viper solids and Yel¬
low Jacket hollowpoints have the same bullet weights and ballis¬
tics as Federal’s Spitfires. The Viper averaged l 3 /4 inches and the
Yellow Jacket 2V 4 inches. Finally, Winchester’s offering, consist¬
ing of Super-Max with a 34-grain bullet at 1500 fps and Xpediter
featuring a 29-grain bullet at 1680 fps, both hollowpoints. The
TABLE 2
An Accuracy Comparison of the
Hyper-Velocity 22s
Bullet
Average
Cartridge
Type
Wt. (grs.)
Group Size*
(in.)
Remington Std. Velocity
Solid
40
3 A
Remington Thunderbolt
Solid
40
1
Federal Hi-Power
HP
38
1
Winchester-Western Super X
HP
36
1
CCI Mini Mag
HP
36
1
CCI Stinger
HP
32
21/4
Federal Spitfire
Solid
36
23/ 4
Federal Spitfire
HP
33
2 V 2
Remington Viper
Solid
36
13/ 4
Remington Yellow Jacket
HP
33
21/4
Winchester Super-Max
HP
34
13/ 4
Winchester Xpediter
HP
29
2 V 2
* Average of five 5-shot groups.
Range—50 yards
Super-Max produced an average group of l 3 /* inches, but the Xpe¬
diter opened up to 2 V 2 inches. The two most accurate of the
hyper-velocities proved to be Remington’s Viper truncated cone
hollowpoints and Winchester’s Super-Max with its conventional
round-nosed hollowpoint bullet. All the others grouped to over 2
inches. Clearly, hyper-velocity 22s are not as accurate as the old¬
er standard velocity and high-velocity types. If we extrapolate
these results out to 100 yards, which is about the maximum effec¬
tive range of any 22 Long Rifle ammunition, the older types are
all capable of grouping into about 2 inches whereas the hyper¬
velocities are not going to do any better than 3 V 4 to 4 V 2 inches.
Actually this is not bad for practical hunting accuracy, but might
be a disadvantage when shooting at very small targets. It is also
worth noting that the various brands and types of hyper-veloci¬
ties did not all shoot to the same point of impact. It is therefore
important to find the one that is most accurate in your rifle and
then sight-in for that particular cartridge. Another factor that
should be considered is cost. The hypers sell for about double
what the high-velocity types do, so it doesn’t make good sense to
buy them for just plinking or casual shooting.
On the other hand, hyper-velocity cartridges are not intended
as match ammunition. They are specifically designed for the
hunter, and it is here that they have definite advantages. The
author made some preliminary expansion tests with these hollow¬
points, shooting into clay, wet telephone books and soap bars.
Results indicated that the hypers have a much greater destructive
potential than high-velocity hollowpoints. This is bom out in the
field. Other pluses are flatter trajectory and reduced lead on mov¬
ing targets. The western ground squirrel is difficult to anchor, and
at legist 60 percent will make it back into their holes after being hit
with high-velocity hollowpoints. However, the hyper-velocity hol¬
lowpoints practically eliminate this. These squirrels usually go
down and stay down after any solid hit with one of these. The
same is true of jackrabbits and other pests I tried them on, and it
is my observation that hyper-velocities have superior stopping
power. They are, however, overly destructive if you intend to eat
what you are shooting. Another field observation is that the
advantage in killing power disappears out around 100-yards; they
don’t really provide much extended effective range.
In any event, I rate the 22 hyper-velocity hollowpoint as the
most effective 22 Long Rifle cartridge currently available for pest
or varmint shooting. I would not, at this time, pick any one brand
as superior to all the rest because I have had rather good results
with all of them. Try several makes since accuracy is rifle depen¬
dant.
Not all of the hyper-velocity 22s had a good sales record and
some listed here are now discontinued. However, this account
provides a record of how they stacked up.
392 Cartridges of the World
American Rimfire Cartridges
Rimfire Cartridges—Factory Ballistics
-risioi-
Bullet
Cartridge (grs.)
MV
ME
MV
50
(yds.)
100
(yds.)
ME
50
(yds.)
-Rifle-
100 MRT
(yds.)
5mm Rem. Mag.
38
—
—
2100
_
_
372
22 BB Cap
20
—
—
780
—
—
26
_
_
12.0
18
—
—
780
—
—
24
_
_
12.5
16
—
—
750
—
_
20
_
_
13.2
22 CB Cap
29
760
31
727
667
610
33
28
24
9.3
30
—
—
725
—
_
34
_
9.3
22 Short
15
—
—
1710
—
_
97
_
_
3.5
27
1077
68
1164
1013
920
81
62
50
4.3
29
786
38
830
752
695
44
36
31
6.8
29
—
—
1045
—
—
70
_
5.6
29
1065
72
1132
1004
920
83
65
54
4.1
22 Long
29
706
31
727
667
610
33
28
24
29
1031
67
1180
1038
946
_
22 Long Rifle
29
—
—
1680
—
182
_
_
_
32
1395
136
1640
1277
1132
191
115
91
2.6
33
—
—
1500
—
—
164
_
34
—
—
1500
—
_
169
_
_
36
—
—
1410
—
—
158
_
_
_
36
1089
94
1280
1126
1012
130
100
81
3.5
36
1180
110
1425
1261
1136
162
127
103
2.7
37
—
—
1280
1127
1015
135
103
85-
3.5
38
—
—
1280
1120
1020
138
105
88-
3.5
38
1089
94
1280
1115
999
138
104
85
3.7
40
940
78
1070
970
890
100
80
70
4.6
40
1060
98
1255
1110
1016
140
109
92
3.6
42
1025
97
1220
—
1003
139
_
94
3.6
22 Extra Long
40
—
—
1050
_
_
97
_
22 Win. Automatic
45
—
—
882
—
_
77
_
_
45
—
—
1055
_
_
110
_
22 Rem. Automatic
45
—
—
950
_
_
89
22 ILARCO
40
—
—
1380
_
_
168
22 Win. Rimfire (WRF)
i 40
—
—
1440
—
—
183
_
_
2.8
45
—
—
1450
—
—
209
_
_
2.7
45
—
—
1050
—
—
109
—
_
5.0
45
—
—
1320
—
1055
173
_
110
3.3
22 Win. Magnum Rimfire 30
1610
171
2200
1750
1373
322
203
127
1.4
40
1428
180
1910
1490
1326
324
197
156
1.7
50
—
—
1650
1450
1280
300
23 5
180
Remarks
Obsolete Rem. loading
Obsolete U.S. loading
OIL Dominion, load
RWS load
Typical U.S. loading
Eley-Kynoch
Obsolete gallery load
CCI hollowpoint
CCI target
Obsolete standard velocity
CCI (also Rem. & Win.)
CCI CB
CCI
Win. Xpediter (Obsolete)
CCI Stinger
Rem. Yellowjacket/Fed. Spitfire (Obsolete)
Win. Supermax (Obsolete)
Rem. Viper/Red. Spitfire (Obsolete)
CCI hollowpoint
CCI hollowpoint
Win./Rem.
Fed.
CCI game bullet
Match/Target
High vel.
Win. Sil.
Late smokeless loading
Early load.
20 "bbl.
22 " bbl.
Winchester data
High vel. HP (Obsolete)
High vel. solid (Obsolete)
Std. vel.
Current Win. load.
Fe. JHP/CCI Maxi-Mag.+V HP
CCI/Fed./Win. FMJ—CCI/Win. JHP
Fed. JHP
Rimfire Cartridges—Factory Ballistics
Cartridge
Bullet (grs.)
MV
MRT 100 yd.
ME
(in.)
25 Short
43
750
53
6.10
25 Stevens Short
65
950
130
5.4
25 Stevens
65-67
1180
208
5.1
30 Long
75
750
81
30 Short
58
700
62
32 Extra Short
54
650
32 Short
80
950
160
5.6
32 Long
90950
180
5.2
32 Long Rifle
81-82
960
186
4.9
32 Extra Long
90
1050
221
4.7
38 Short
125-130
725
150
38 Long
150
750
190
150
980
320
4.5
38 Extra Long
150
1250
526
3.8
41 Short
130
425
52
41 Long
163
700
180
41 Swiss
300
1325
1175
4.7
334
1345
1330
4.3
44 Short
200-210
500
112
44 Long
220
825
332
4.5
44 Extra Long
218
1250
763
3.5
44 Henry Flat
200
1125
568
3.9
50 Rem. Navy
290
600
234
56-46 Spencer
330
1210
1080
56-50 Spencer
350
1230
1175
56-52 Spencer
340, 386, 400
1200
1300
56-56 Spencer
350
1200
1125
58 Miller/Allin
500
1150
1468
Remarks
Handgun ballistics
Smokeless loading
Smokeless load
8 grs. blackpowder
Approx, handgun ballistics
51 Approx, ballistics
Late smokeless load, rifle ballistics
Modem smokeless load
Approx, rifle ballistics
Approx, ballistics
Handgun ballistics
Handgun ballistics
Rifle ballistics
3" bbl.
3" bbl. ballistics
Handgun ballistics
Blackpowder
Smokeless load
Approx, handgun ballistics
Approx, rifle ballistics
Approx, rifle ballistics
Approx, rifle ballistics
Approx, ballistics
Approx, ballistics
Approx, ballistics
Approx, ballistics
Approx, ballistics
Approx, ballistics
The following nmfire cartridges are not included above because ballistic data could not be located; the same group, excepting the 61 and 69 rim-
fires, is, however, listed in the Dimensional Data table: 35 Alcan, 9mm Ball, 42 Forehand & Wadsworth, 46 Ex. Short, 46 Short, 46 Rem.-Carb.,
56-46 Ex. Long, 46 Hammond Carb., 50 Ball Carb., 50 Rem. Navy, 50 Rem. Pistol, 50 Warner Carb., 50-60 Peabody, 50-70 Govt., 61 rimfire and
69 rimfire.
8th Edition 393
Chapter 10
AMERICAN RIMFIRE CARTRIDGES
Current and Obsolete
Dimensional Data
Case
Bullet
Neck
Shoulder
Base
Rim
Case
Ctge.
Cartridge
type
dia.
dia.
dia.
dia.
dia.
length
length
5mm Rem. Magnum
A
.205
.225
.259
.259
.325
1.020
—
22 BB Cap
B
.222
.224
—
.224
.270
.284
.343
22 CB Cap
B
.222
.225
—
.225
.271
.420
.520
22 Winchester Auto
B
.222
.250
—
.250
.310
.665
.915
22 Short
B
.223
.224
—
.225
.273
.423
.686
22 Long
B
.223
.224
—
.225
.275
.595
.880
22 Long Rifle
B
.223
.224
—
.225
.275
.595
.975
22 Stinger
B
.223
.224
—
.225
.275
.694
.975
22 Extra Long
B
.223
.225
—
.225
.275
.750
1.16
22 Remington Auto
B
.223
.245
—
.245
.290
.663
.920
22 WRF & Rem. Special
B
.224
.242
—
.243
.295
.960
1.17
22 Winchester Mag. RF
B
.224
.240
—
.241
.291
1.052
1.35
25 Short
B
.246
.245
—
.245
.290
.468
.780
25 Stevens Short
B
.251
.275
—
.276
.333
.599
.877
25 Stevens
B
.251
.276
—
.276
.333
1.125
1.395
30 Short
B
.286
.292
—
.292
.346
.515
.822
30 Long
B
.288
.288
—
.288
.340
.613
1.020
32 Long Rifle
B
.312
.318
—
.318
.377
.937
1.223
32 Extra Short
B
.316
.318
—
.317
.367
.398
.645
32 Short
B
.316
.318
—
.318
.377
.575
.948
32 Long
B
.316
.318
—
.318
.377
.791
1.215
32 Extra Long
B
.316
.317
—
.318
.378
1.150
1.570
9mm Ball
B
.337
.350
—
.350
.402
.417
.560
35 Allen
B
.342
.342
—
.342
.407
.865
1.388
38 Short
B
.375
.376
—
.376
.436
.768
1.185
38 Long
B
.375
.376
—
.376
.435
.873
1.380
38 Extra Long
B
.375
.378
—
.378
.435
1.480
2.025
41 Short
B
.405
.406
—
.406
.468
.467
.913
41 Long
B
.405
.407
—
.407
.468
.635
.985
42 Forehard & Wadsworth
B
.417
.416
—
.416
.485
.847
1.496
41 Swiss
A
.418
.445
.517
.539
.620
1.519
2.205
44 Short
B
.446
.445
—
.445
.519
.688
1.190
44 Henry Flat
B
.446
.445
—
.446
.519
.875
1.345
44 Extra Long Ballard
B
.446
.456
—
.457
.524
1.250
1.843
44 Long
B
.451
.455
—
.458
.525
1.094
1.842
46 Long
B
.454
.456
—
.456
.523
1.25
1.876
46 Rem. Carbine
B
.455
.455
—
.455
.529
.990
1.635
46 Extra Short
B
.456
.458
—
.458
.530
.633
1.125
46 Short
B
.456
.458
—
.458
.530
.836
1.336
50 Ball Carbine**
B
.456
.476
—
.560
.640
.859
1.134
46 Extra Long
B
.459
.457
—
.457
.525
1.534
2.285
56-46 Spencer
A
.465
.478
.555
.558
.641
1.035
1.595
56-46 Extra Long
A
.475
.468
.551
.563
.638
1.200
1.757
46 Hammond Carbine
B
.481
.500
—
.518
.590
1.625
2.175
50-60 Peabody**
B
.499
.508
—
.559
.645
1.456
1.919
50 Warner Carbine
B
.505
.526
—
.526
.604
.850
1.514
50 Remington Navy
B
.510
.535
—
.562
.642
.860
1.280
50-70 Govt.
B
.512
.532
—
.557
.655
1.720
2.191
56-50 Spencer Carbine
B
.512
.543
—
.556
.639
1.156
1.632
56-52 Spencer Rifle
B
.512
.540
—
.559
.639
1.035
1.500
56-52 Spencer Necked
A
.525
.547
.558
.560
.642
1.020
1.660
50 Rem. Pistol**
B
.529
.536
—
.558
.638
.875
1.300
56-56 Spencer Carbine
B
.550
.560
—
.560
.645
.875
1.545
58 Miller
B
.585
.620
—
.628
.709
1.193
1.701
A—Rjm, bottleneck B—Rim, straight "Currently listed by American or other manufacturers
Unless otherwise noted, all dimensions are in inches.
These cases have slight taper at case mouth-neck measurements taken at case mouth.
Note: There is considerable variation in rimfire cartridges as to dimensions, depending on by whom or wh en m anufactu red.
394 Cartridges of the World
Chapter 11
SHOTGUN SHELLS
(Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless)
SHOTGUNS, OR FOWLING pieces as they were orig¬
inally called, were among the earliest firearms to
achieve sporting status. Of course, the use of a number
of small pellets of varying sizes for military and hunt¬
ing purposes predates what we would consider true
sporting firearms made primarily for that pursuit. Orig¬
inally, all guns were smooth-bored because rifling was
unknown until around 1500. American colonists used
shot in their flintlock muskets because it was easier to
hit small moving targets such as birds or rabbits. Sin¬
gle- and side-by-side double-barrel flintlock shotguns
reached a high state of development in the late 18th and
early 19th centuries.
In England, Joseph Manton and others turned out
high quality flintlock shotguns that were the equal of
any made today. When percussion replaced the flintlock,
fine shotguns of this type were also manufactured. As a
matter of fact, single- and double-barrel muzzle-loading
percussion shotguns were still popular until the early
20th century. This was not due to reluctance by hunters
to accept the new breechloaders, but because muzzle-
loaders were cheaper and didn’t require expensive shot¬
gun shells. For a largely rural population, it was simple
economics. (Editor's Note: It also allowed on the spot cus¬
tom loading.)
The first breech-loading shotguns appeared in the late
1840s, although some experimental types go back much
earlier. The Lefaucheaux pinfire shotshell was patented
in France in 1836. In 1852 Charles Lancaster marketed
an improved breech-loading shotgun which was followed
by others, leading gradually to our modem break-open
type. The 1864 Schuyler, Hartley and Graham catalog
illustrates several breech-loading shotguns.
The general acceptance of the breechloading shotgun
depended on the development of a gun that was afford¬
able by middleclass hunters rather than only the
wealthy. One disadvantage of the flintlock, percussion
lock and the pinfire is that they all require external ham¬
mers. As soon as breechloaders firing self-contained cen-
terfire ammunition became available, a number of
internal lock type shotguns began to appear, starting in
the 1870s. The first modem, hammerless, breech-load¬
ing double gun was the Anson and Deeley introduced in
England in 1875. This shotgun incorporated the self-
cocking principle—that operated when the breech was
opened—typical of all present day doubles.
The slide-action shotgun was developed in the United
States in the late 1800s and is today the most popular
type in this country. This is a matter of economics because
one can purchase a good slide-action shotgun for less than
half the price of a double. The principal of choke boring
was recognized by 1871 but was not widely known or used
prior to that time. In that year it was further developed
and publicized by the American Fred Kimble. Shortly
thereafter choke boring became standard on practically all
shotguns. Walter Roper, an American, was issued the first
patent for choke boring in 1866. However, his screw-on
device was for single barrel guns only and did not become
popular. By 1990, screw-in chokes had become the prac¬
tice on nearly all shotguns.
The shotgun has the distinction of being the first
firearm to use smokeless powder. Commercially available
smokeless powder shotgun shells were first loaded under
the 1864 patent of Prussian Captain E. Schultz. Smoke¬
less powder rifle ammunition didn’t appear until 20 years
later. Schultz’s powder was manufactured from nitrated
wood pulp and was marketed by Du Pont for many years.
The British were still loading it up to 1939. Shot of uni¬
form size and quality was available after 1769 when the
Englishman William Watts discovered the advantage of
dropping molten lead from a high tower.
Bore and Gauge Defined
The gauge or bore diameter of a shotgun is designated
differently than that of a rifle or pistol; the system used
goes back to earliest muzzle-loading days. It was the cus¬
tom then to give the “gauge” of muskets in terms of how
many lead balls of the bore diameter weighed one pound.
A 12-gauge, thus, had a bore of such diameter that a
round lead ball weighing Vi2-pound would just enter the
barrel. Sometimes gauge was given as a twelfth-pounder
or twentieth of a pounder (20-gauge). In England mod¬
em terminology often uses “12 bore” or “20 bore,” rather
than gauge although the two mean the same thing. The
gauge system has persisted to the present time. Howev¬
er, there are exceptions such as the 410-“gauge” which is
8th Edition 395
Chapter 11
actually 68-gauge or .410 caliber and the 9mm rimfire
shotshell which is also a caliber, not a gauge. At one time
shotguns were made in every gauge from about 1-gauge
down to 32-gauge. Shotguns above 4-gauge were usually
punt guns mounted on some type of support or swivel
and used in boats for market hunting of waterfowl.
American manufacturers no longer load shotshells larg¬
er than 10-gauge for sporting use, but some European
companies still turn out 8-gauge shells. Up to the time of
the first World War the variety of shot sizes, loads, shell
lengths and types of powder was truly amazing. At one
time 6500-7000 different factory loads were available.
When one added custom and special-order items, the fig¬
ure was double that. After 1920 the variety of loads was
drastically reduced until today only about 200 or so com¬
binations remain.
Modern Shotshells
Shotgun shells were originally made from wound
paper or drawn brass, although they have also been
made from drawn aluminum, cast zinc and molded or
drawn plastic. Paper shotshells consisted of a laminated
paper tube made by winding glue impregnated paper
sheets around a mandrel. The tube was then coated with
paraffin wax to make it moisture resistant, cut to proper
length and one end plugged with a tightly rolled paper or
composition base wad. The final step was to add a
crimped-on brass (or other metal) head which incorpo¬
rated the rim and primer pocket. The height of the inter¬
nal base wad determined the volumetric capacity of the
hull and therefore loading density. Cases were divided
into high-base and low-base types depending on how
they were to be loaded.
In general, the low base wad was used with black or
bulk smokeless powder because these powders required
more volume. The high base wad was used with dense
smokeless powders that required less volume. The term
high-base or low-base does not refer to the heights of the
brass head. Over the years shells with a high-brass head
have become associated with high velocity or magnum
loads and shotshells with low metal heads with target or
light field loads.
Almost all modem shotgun shells are made from some
variety of polyethylene plastic. Such shells were first
introduced by Remington in 1958. Most plastic shells have
metal heads of brass, brass-plated steel, or anodized alu¬
minum. A few makers have marketed all plastic shells
without metal heads. One brand, ACTIV, has no outside
metal head but uses an internal perforated steel washer to
reinforce the rim to prevent the extractor from ripping
through it. Plastic shotshells are made either by injection
molding, compression molding or extrusion, often incorpo¬
rating an integral basewad.
Smokeless powder has completely replaced blackpow-
der for loading shotshells. Early smokeless powders were
termed “bulk” powders because they could be loaded
bulk for bulk with blackpowder. However, they didn’t
weigh the same even though ballistics were similar with
equal volume. A system of nomenclature evolved to
accommodate this. Regardless of the powder type, the
charge is given in “drams equivalent.” Thus, a shotshell
marked 3 V 4 -IV 4 means the ballistics are the same as 3 V 4
drams* of blackpowder and IV4 ounces of lead shot, and
so on. The ballistics will be approximately the same
regardless of brand or the powder used by the manufac¬
turer. Du Pont Bulk Shotgun was the last bulk-type
smokeless powder manufactured. All others are desig¬
nated “dense” and require much less space than black or
bulk powders.
Shotgun shell primers differ from rifle primers in size
and type. The three or four piece No. 209 battery cup
primer is used in most modem shells. Until recently, some
European shotshells used Gevelot type primer. Brass
shotshells usually take large rifle primers. Brass shells
are shorter, but have the same volume as those of paper or
plastic. They require large wad diameters as well.
Slugs
It was common practice with muzzle-loading shot¬
guns to load a solid round ball for big game hunting.
This worked fine if the range was short, but accuracy
beyond 40 yards was poor. It could be improved by
using a patched ball, but the lack of proper sights limits
what can be accomplished with a smooth-bored gun.
When self-contained shotshells arrived, they were fur¬
nished in all gauges with a round ball loading. Howev¬
er, when choke boring became common, it was
necessary to use an undersized ball to prevent possible
damage to the choke. Therefore, it became common
practice to load a ball one or two gauges smaller than
the bore. Thus, a 13-gauge ball was loaded in 12-gauge
shells, a 17- or 18- gauge ball in the 16-gauge and so on.
These undersize lead balls usually suffered deforma¬
tion in passing through the choke, so were less accurate
than the bore-size balls. Round ball loads in 12- and 16-
gauge were useful in heavy brush where they offered
good short-range knockdown power on deer-size ani¬
mals. Also 4-, 8- and 10-gauge balls were used on dan¬
gerous game in Africa and India. Round ball loads were
discontinued in 1941.
The rifled slug has an accuracy potential that will allow
one to hit deer at ranges of 100 yds. All this provided your
*16 drams = 1 ounce = 437.5 grs.
396 Cartridges of the World
Shotgun Shells
shotgun is equipped with a set of rifle sights and is proper¬
ly sighted in. Rifled slugs were introduced by RWS in Ger¬
many in 1898. This slug, the Brenneke, is still available
under the Rottweil label. The American, or Foster type
slug, was introduced by Winchester in 1936. The two differ
in that the Brenneke is a solid lead slug with a series of felt
and card wads screwed to the base, whereas the Foster
type has a deep hollow base similar to the old Minie-pro-
jectile used during the Civil War. Both have a series of
angular rifling grooves swaged into the outer circumfer¬
ence. Both work on the same principal as the badminton
shuttlecock in that most of the weight is forward of the cen¬
ter of air pressure which causes them to fly point forward.
The rifling imposes a very slow spin rate as air flows
through the rifling grooves. The slow rotation reduces yaw
and adds stability. Firing experiments with Foster slugs
minus the rifling grooves have demonstrated that although
they still fly point first, accuracy is cut in half.
There is a third type of shotgun slug on the market that
is quite different than the Brenneke or the Foster. This is
the discarding sabot slug. This type is smaller in diameter
than the other two, made of lead with a Coke-bottle shape
and is enclosed in a two-piece discarding plastic sabot. It
does not have rifling grooves and maintains point forward
flight because of the shape. Both Winchester and Federal
offer this type. Although the sabot slug is of smaller diam¬
eter than the Brenneke or the Foster, it weighs about the
same. The 12-gauge Brenneke weighs 491 grains, the Fos¬
ter 438 grains and the sabot slug 450 grains. Federal also
loads a heavier 12 ga. Foster type slug that weighs 548
grains. When the sabot slug is fired, the two halves of the
sabot separate rapidly and hit the ground a few yards
down range.
American rifled slugs start out at about 1600 fps except
the 410 which is listed at over 1800 fps muzzle velocity.
The Brenneke has a muzzle velocity of over 1500 fps and
the sabot slugs 1450-1550 fps. From time to time someone
comes up with a new shotgun slug, but they are usually
only a variation of the preceeding three types.
The Ithaca Gun Company pioneered the develop¬
ment of slug barrels for their slide-action shotguns.
Today, virtually every manufacturer of repeating shot¬
guns turns out slug models or furnishes special slug
barrels. Shotguns intended primarily for shooting rifled
slugs are characterized by barrels shorter than the usu¬
al shot barrel, anywhere from 18 to 24 inches, Cylinder
or Improved Cylinder choke boring and rifle sights.
Most manufacturers offer models with rifled barrels for
slug shooting. When Ithaca did their original work on
slug barrels during the early 1960s, the conclusion they
reached was that maximum accuracy required a highly
polished, Cylinder-bored barrel with a set of rifle
sights. They reported 2-inch five-shot groups at 40
yards and 9-inch groups at 100 yards. Some shooters,
using the Ithaca Deerslayer 12-gauge equipped with a
scope sight, recorded 6-inch groups at 100 yards. Some
manufacturers recommend the Improved Cylinder bor¬
ing as providing the best slug accuracy. Remington in
particular suggests this as the most accurate choke
with their rifled slugs. Using slugs in tighter chokes, up
through Full or Extra Full, is alright according to the
manufacturers who say the slugs are designed to pass
through any degree of choke without damage to the
guns. Slugs can also be used through adjustable choke
devices, but the most open setting should be used for
best accuracy.
8th Edition 397
Chapter 11
In the years since Ithaca did their original work, there
has been a fair amount of additional testing by various
individuals. The usual approach is to take one or two
shotguns out to the range along with lots of rifled slug
ammunition of different brands. Conclusions are drawn
on the basis of how the slugs shoot in these one or two
shotguns yet there is a considerable difference in the
way different shotguns handle rifled slugs. This is true
even between guns of the same make and model. From
such information one can only make general inferences.
One can only arrive at general conclusions. That is to
say, such and such is true with the shotguns used in the
test, or that it is generally true but might not apply to all
shotguns. In addition, many shotguns are like rifles—
they will shoot much better with one brand of slug than
another. The fact that one particular load shoots the best
in one particular shotgun does not suggest that it will
also shoot the best in some other gun. Even lot number
changes can, and do, matter.
Chronographing shotgun slugs has shown some incon¬
sistencies. Different guns and different chokes give differ¬
ent velocities, but that is not unexpected. Rifled slugs
seem to generate maximum muzzle velocity in 18- to 20-
inch barrels. Anything over that is more for balance or
looks. Minor variations in velocity are of little consequence
within the accuracy range of the shotgun slug. The ballis¬
tics of the shotgun slug may not be spectacular, but that
big heavy slug packs a lot of energy when it connects.
Sabot slugs retain more striking energy and have flatter
trajectories than other types. Anything smaller than the
12-gauge slug cannot be considered adequate for any
North American big game. The 410 slug is useless for any¬
thing but small game at short range. The 12-gauge Bren-
neke slugs have proven effective on thin-skinned African
game including some dangerous species such as lion and
leopard. Shotgun slugs can be compared to the old large-
bore blackpowder cartridges such as the big 45- and 50-
caliber numbers. If you could only own one gun, consider a
12-gauge shotgun with an extra slug barrel. It will cover a
greater range of game and hunting conditions than any
other single gun.
Buckshot
Buckshot comes in seven standard sizes, from No. 4
(.24-inch) to No. 000 (.36-inch). The smaller sizes, offer
more pellets in any shell of a given size. The larger sizes of
buckshot can be used for deer hunting in some parts of the
U.S. It is also used in Africa, on occasion, against leopard
and Hon in heavy brush. It can be quite effective against
soft-skinned game at short range. There are two schools
of thought in regard to the use of buckshot: One school
advocates the use of larger pellets, Nos. 0 through 000,
because they are heavier, have more energy per pellet at
any given range, and penetrate deeper. The other school
argues that the smaller sizes, No. 4 through No. 1, provide
more pellets per load, and a greater multiple hit probabil¬
ity. Also they believe that multiple hits with smaller pel¬
lets are just as deadly as a single hit with larger pellets.
While there is a certain validity to both sides, it depends
on what you are going to hunt. If a dangerous animal is
involved, don't use anything smaller than No. 0 (.32-inch).
Muzzle velocity of buckshot loads is about the same as
other shot loads, from about 1200 fps to around 1300 fps.
The effective range of buckshot is about 40 yards, depend¬
ing on the number of pellets and the size of the target. The
most uniform buckshot patterns are thrown by Cylinder
and Improved Cylinder chokes. A tighter choke deforms
the pellets as they pass through the constriction so they
do not fly true.
Modem buckshot loads with copper plated hard lead
pellets, granulated plastic buffer material, folded crimp,
and pellet protector plastic wad columns offer superior
performance to older buckshot loads.
Up until World War II, some very well made, moder¬
ately-priced side-by-side double-barreled shotguns were
made in the United States. Today American shotgunners
have pretty much opted for the single-barrel repeater. The
slide-action shotgun dominates the U.S. market at pre¬
sent. This is not bad, because for the money the American-
made repeating shotgun is one of the most durable and
reliable guns made anywhere. There is a good choice of
imported side-by-side and over/under doubles available,
398 Cartridges of the World
Shotgun Shells
but most of them are expensive. However, some moder¬
ately-priced ones are made in Spain and South America
and imported under various trade names.
The type of shotgun used is largely a matter of person¬
al preference and one has no great advantage over anoth¬
er as a practical matter. As to gauge, the 12 will cover the
widest variety of game and hunting conditions. For the
man on a limited budget, the repeating 12-gauge with an
adjustable or interchangeable choke system is the way to
go. The 16-gauge is almost as good but very few guns are
still made in this gauge. Actually, the best shotgun is the
one in which you have the most confidence and do the best
shooting with. There is nothing wrong with the 20, 28 or
even the 410 except that they impose limits on what you
can hunt effectively. At one time, smaller gauge shells
were less expensive, but today they cost about the same
as the larger gauges, so economy is no reason to pick one
of them unless you reload.
Shotgunning Myths
There are all sorts of odd ideas in regard to shotguns. It
is at least worth some effort to stamp out a few of these.
For example there is the idea that some shotguns shoot
“harder” than others of the same gauge. The idea may
arise in part from the fact that some shotguns have poorly
fitted stocks. Since the apparent recoil is more severe than
similar guns, the owner decides he has a harder shooting
gun. On the other hand, a man who has a gun that fits and
handles exceptionally well may conclude he has a “hard
shooter” because he does such good work with it.
Another outdated belief is that the longer the barrel the
longer the effective range. Modem smokeless powder
shotshells develop maximum velocity in about 20 to 22
inches of barrel. Anything over that is just for balance and
looks. If the barrel is too long, it will actually reduce veloc¬
ity slightly through friction or drag. A shotgun with a 26-
inch barrel will kill just as far away as one with a 40-inch
barrel. In addition, the short barrel will be much faster in
getting on target. In deference to those who refuse to
accept this, some shotgun manufacturers provide at least
one model available with extra long tubes! If it takes a 36-
inch barrel to make you happy or build your confidence,
by all means use one. However, it does not give you any
ballistic advantage over the fellow with a much shorter
barrel.
The effective range of shotguns is another matter usu¬
ally subject to much argument and misunderstanding.
Some people believe the larger the gauge the higher the
velocity; others believe the smaller the gauge the higher
the velocity. Obviously, there is room for all sorts of confu¬
sion here. Actually both are wrong. The average muzzle
velocity of a similar 10-, 12-, 16- or 20-gauge load is near¬
ly the same. Why then, the larger the gauge the greater
the effective range? It's a matter of pattern density. For
example, if you fire a 410 at a dove flying 40 or 50 yards
away, the chances are he will fly right through the pattern
without being touched. If he does get hit, the pellet or pel¬
lets will do as much damage as if fired from a 12-gauge.
On the other hand, if you fired at this same bird with a 20-
gauge, your chances of bringing him down would be
greater because you have thrown more pellets in his path.
With a 12-gauge at this same range, the pattern density is
great enough that the chances of the bird slipping through
are not good at all. We are assuming here the same degree
of choke for all guns, because choke controls pattern size
and density at a given range. There is not much difference
in the actual diameter of the pattern thrown by different
gauges at the same range if all other factors are equal.
However pattern density, the number of pellets in the pat¬
tern will vary according to gauge with the advantage
going to the larger gauges. This is also contrary to com¬
mon belief, so if you disagree, go out and pattern a number
of guns of different gauge, but similar choke. Be sure you
use the same size shot and type of load in all guns.
The Steel Shot Issue
It has been recognized since the late 1800s that inges¬
tion of lead shot by bottom-feeding waterfowl can cause a
toxic reaction leading to the death of the bird. In 1959, a
wildlife biologist named Frank Bellrose completed a 15-
year study on the possible effects of lead shot ingestion
and resultant lead poisoning (plumbism) on North Amer¬
ican waterfowl. The results of this study were released in
a bulletin known as the Bellrose Report. One of the con¬
clusions in this report is that between 2 and 3 percent of
the waterfowl species in North America are lost each year
through lead poisoning. This was actually only a rough
estimate based on incomplete data.
The Bellrose study was based on the examination of
bird gizzards furnished by hunters who took them from
five, healthy birds they had shot. In other words, none of
the wildfowl in the study were suffering from or had died
from lead poisoning.
The Bellrose Report was not intended to be a final con¬
clusion, but rather an effort to point out a potential prob¬
lem in a limited area, possibly requiring further study.
Unfortunately, this report was seized on by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service and the National Wildlife Federation
as a cause celebre, something that would demonstrate
their deep concern for wildfowl and the ecology.
8th Edition 399
Chapter 11
LEAD SHOT
1. TUBE
2. SHOT
3. WAD
4. POWDER
STEEL SHOT
5. PRIMER
6. BASE WAD
7. HEAD
8. CUSHION
(lead Only)
The original study encompassed a relatively small
area in the Midwest, but this did not stop the extrapola¬
tion of the data to cover all of North America although
there was no valid basis for such a conclusion. Others
have tried to expand this invalid theory to cover other
animals with the claim that predatory birds, such as
eagles and hawks eat duck, rabbits and other game. If
these are carrying lead shot in their bodies it is a large
factor in reducing the population of the predators. This
seems a very weak case.
What these people are doing is making sweeping
claims without any solid empirical data to support them
with the aim of banning lead shot from the hunting field
entirely. Their solution to this self-made problem is low
carbon, annealed steel shot, which also creates problems
of its own.
Steel shot is about the only presently approved substi¬
tute for lead shot since copper and other alloys have toxic
properties of their own. Tungsten alloy shot would be non¬
toxic and would have ballistic properties superior to lead.
However such shot would be expensive.
As it turns out, steel shot has a lot of bad features, not
the least of which is the ability to ruin the bores of older
shotguns now in the hands of hunters. It is as hard as the
barrel steel of many high-grade shotguns and can dig
grooves in the bores if allowed unprotected contact. Also
steel shot won’t compress the way lead shot does as it
passes through the choke and so will eventually bulge the
choke area.
The manufacturers have begun to make shotgun bar¬
rels heavier, thicker and of harder steel as steel shot
TYPICAL LEADS FOR STEEL SHOT LOADS AND
WATERFOWL CROSSING AT RIGHT ANGLE
MV
(fps)
Shot Lead in Feet at Range
Size 30 yds. 40 yds. 50 yds.
12-gauge, 3-inch, 1V 4 -ounce
12-gauge, 23/ 4 -inch, 1 V 8 -ounce
1375/1365 BB
4.7
6.7
9.0
1
4.8
6.9
9.3
2
4.8
7.0
9.5
3
4.9
7.1
9.7
4
5.0
7.3
10.0
6
5.2
7.7
10.7
12-gauge, 3V2-inch, 9/i 6 -ounce
20-gauge, 3-inch, 1-ounce
1335-1330 2
4.9
7.2
9.7
3
5.0
7.3
9.9
4
5.1
7.4
10.1
6
5.3
7.8 •
10.9
10-gauge, 3V 2 -inch, 1 s/e-ounce
12-gauge, 23/ 4 -inch, 1 V 4 -ounce
1285/1275 T
4.9
6.9
9.2
BBB
4.9
7.0
9.3
BB
4.9
7.1
9.5
1
5.0
7.2
9.8
2
5.1
7.4
9.9
3
5.2
7.5
10.2
4
5.2
7.6
10.4
10-gauge, 3V2-inch, 13/ 4 -ounce
12-gauge, 3-inch, 1 3 / 8 -ounce
1260 T
4.9
7.0
9.3
BBB
5.0
7.1
9.4
BB
5.0
7.1
9.6
1
5.1
7.3
9.9
2
5.2
7.4
10.1
3
5.2
7.6
10.3
4
5.3
7.7
10.6
LEAD VERSUS STEEL PELLET WEIGHT
Lead Pellet
Steel Pellet
Size
Wgt. Grs.
Size
Wgt. Grs.
BBB
10.4
F(TTT)
11.0
BB
8.8
TT
9.6
BB
8.8
T
8.3
B
7.3
BBB
7.1
1
6.1
BB
6.1
2
5.0
B
5.0
3
4.1
1
4.3
4
3.2
2
3.5
5
2.6
3
2.9
5
2.6
4
2.3
6
1.9
5
1.8
7V 2
1.3
6
1.4
EQUAL PELLET COUNT COMPARISONS
Actual leads can vary with target speed. Lesser angles will require
lesser leads.
Steel
Pellet
Lead
Pellet
Size
# Per oz.
Size
# Per oz.
F(TTT)
39
T
34
TT
46
BBB
42
T
52
BB
50
BBB
62
B
60
BB
72
1
72
B
87
2
87
1
103
3
106,
2
125
4
1351
3
154
5
170
4
192
6
225
5
243
6
225
6
317
7
299
400 Cartridges of the World
comes into general use. If in doubt about a particular shot¬
gun, check with the gun factory or a good gunsmith if you
contemplate the use of steel shot. Some shotguns have
“FOR STEEL SHOT” stamped on the barrel. Never fire
steel shot in any of the fine old doubles or any other expen¬
sive shotgun. One solution is to purchase an inexpensive
shotgun made for steel shot and use that for all wildfowl
shooting and save your good guns for those occasions
where lead shot is permitted.
Steel shot has poor ballistic properties compared to
lead shot of the same diameter. Lead shot of equal size is
44 percent denser. This means that steel shot does not
carry as well as lead shot and loses velocity and energy at
a faster rate. Out at 40 yards, lead shot will retain about
twice the energy of comparable steel shot. Hunters should
use larger shot and heavier loads to offset this. Wallace
Labisky, writing in the 1980 Gun Digest , recommends
using steel shot two sizes larger than what would normal¬
ly be used in lead loads. This has become standard prac¬
tice.
Mossberg, has teamed with Federal Cartridge Co. to
introduce a special slide-action shotgun that shoots a
new 3V2-inch 12-gauge Magnum shell loaded with steel
shot. This is one solution to the problem; a shotgun and
shell both designed specifically for steel shot. About the
only advantage of steel shot is that it doesn’t deform as
readily as lead shot and therefore produces a more uni¬
form pattern at comparable ranges. Steel shotshells are
available in 10-, 12-, 16- and 20-gauge. Steel shot is also
loaded with a thick, tough plastic shot wad to prevent
direct contact with the bore. However this may not be
sufficient protection for older shotguns. Federal, Rem¬
ington and Winchester all load steel shot in sizes rang¬
ing through F, T, BBB, BB, I, 2, 3, 4, and 6, depending
on gauge.
Steel Shot Facts
Let’s look at the characteristics and ballistics of steel
shot. First off, lead and steel shot are available in the fol¬
lowing sizes:
Shot
Diameter
No. of Pellets/Oz.
Number
(Inches)
Lead
Steel
9
.08
585
_
8 V 2
.085
—
—
8
.09
411
—
71/2
.095
350
—
6
.11
225
316
5
.12
170
246
4
.13
135
191
3
.14
109
153
2
.15
87
125
1
.16
72
103
B
.17
59
84
BB
.18
50
72
BBB
.19
43
61
T
.20
36
52
F
.22
37
40
Steel shot has required the reintroduction of shot
sizes not available for many years. Because of the weight
factor, steel shot is not available in sizes below No. 6. At
Shotgun Shells
first glance it looks as if steel shot has an advantage over
lead shot because there are more pellets per ounce. How¬
ever, this is misleading because although the diameter
is the same in any given size, you can’t pack an ounce of
steel shot into the same space occupied by an ounce of
lead shot since the lead shot weighs more. That is the
reason why we now have 3 Winch shells in 12-gauge. For
example 3-inch 12-gauge shells are loaded with up to 2
ounces of lead shot but only l 3 /s ounces of steel shot. A
2 3 / 4 -inch 12-gauge hull will hold a full Wounce more
lead shot than steel. If steel shot starts out at the same
velocity as lead shot, it has less energy per pellet because
it weighs less. A steel No. 6 pellet, for example, has less
than 1 foot pound of energy at 30 yards, whereas the
same size lead pellet has three foot pounds. A No. 4 steel
pellet retains slightly more energy at 30 yards than a
No. 6 lead pellet and this is why the ammunition makers
recommend you use steel shot two sizes larger than lead
shot for any given purpose.
To carry things a step further, steel BBs will deliver
about the same energy as lead No. 2s. So if you use steel
shot two sizes larger than lead shot, you come up with
comparable ballistics. Also, according to some writers you
also get an extra bonus because an ounce of steel shot has
many more pellets than the same weight of lead. Howev¬
er, that is only true if you are comparing pellets of the
same size on an ounce-for-ounce basis. That’s not the way
it works in practice because the heaviest load of steel shot
available in 3-inch 12-gauge is l 3 /s ounces. The same shell
holds V/s ounces of lead shot and that is what you have to
compare. Also we are advised to use steel shot two sizes
larger and that too must be considered, so let’s make a pel¬
let count comparison on that basis.
Shot
No.
12-Ga. V/q ozs.
Lead pellets
Shot
No.
12-Ga. 13/ 8 ozs
Steel pellets
6
422
4
263
4
253
2
172
2
163
BB
99
BB
94
T
71
If you compare steel and lead shot on the basis of equal
size, even though the steel load weighs less, it will have
somewhat more pellets. On the other hand, if you go to
two sizes larger with the steel shot, then with the loads
available, there will always be substantially more lead
pellets. This is the reason why so many hunters report
that they do not shoot as well with steel shot as with lead
shot. Of course, there is one last redeeming feature with
steel shot, and that is it does not deform to any extent
going through the gun bore and choke so it delivers more
uniform patterns than lead shot.
The editor would like to thank the many shotshell col¬
lectors who provided facts and shotshells from their col¬
lections for photography. In particular, I’d like to thank
Mr. Russell Hooper and Mr. Frank Napoli for providing
information, photographs and sample shotshells and for
their invaluable assistance. We intend to further enhance
this chapter as information on the more interesting odd¬
ball shotshells becomes available.
8th Edition 401
Chapter 11
1-4-Gauge
Historical Notes In most instances, gauges larger than 8-gauge
were somewhat misnamed. Two-gauge shells are actually 4-gauge
and 4-gauge shells actually 5- or 6-gauge. Guns chambered for
such cartriges were generally either punt guns, permanently or
semi-permantly mounted on movable platforms, or very heavy
smoothbore or fully rifled arms used by African hunters for taking
the bitggest and most dangerous species. In the former instance
the guns were used by market hunters who were an important
part of the expanding U.S. economy, as they provided much-need¬
ed protein for those who came to occupy new communities. The
theory was to launch a vast charge of shot against large flocks of
birds that were on the water. In this way the market gunner killed
scores of birds with only one shot. Those used in Africa against
dangerous game were quite effective and more so when the car¬
tridge was filled with a charge of shot. These are interesting car¬
tridges that are well worth collecting and studying.
4-Gauge
Historical Notes The 4-gauge shotgun was too big for ordi- in Africa before the advent of cordite. Four-gauge head-
nary use, but it was once popular as a market chambering. stamped shells are usually 5- or 6-gauge in bore size.
Smoothbore “rifles” and fully rifled 4-bores were very popular
8-Gauge
Historical Notes This was another popular chambering that
achieved widespread use in the late 1800s. In the United States
and elsewhere it was prized as a long-range duck and goose
chambering. While “8-gague” still sounds huge, actual loads typ¬
ically launched less shot than heavy modem 12-gauge loads. In
the interest of game bird conservation, laws were enacted in 1918
which prohibited the 8-gauge and larger shotgun bores for sport¬
ing use in the U.S. The most common shell lengths for this gauge
are 3, 3 V 4 and 4 inches. Bore diameter is 0.835-inch. In England
the 3V4-inch 8-gauge is currently available from Game Bore.
10-Gauge
Historical Notes This is the only shotshell larger than the 12-
gauge still commercially produced in the U.S. Larger gauges were
outlawed for sporting use in 1918. U.S.-produced single- and dou¬
ble-barreled guns in 10-gauge were manufactured until WWII.
Then, after a short hiatus, several arms companies reintroduced the
big-10 and, for awhile, these guns gained popularity. However, two
things have worked to completely eliminate any sporting benefit
offered by the 10-gauge for migratory bird hunting. First was the
introduction of the 3V2-inch 12-gauge shell with a higher pressure
standard than the 10-gauge. Second was the adoption of mandatory
steel shot loads for hunting migratory species. There is nothing the
10 can do with steel shot that the higher-pressure 12-gauge loading
can not do better. However, the 10-gauge still has an advantage for
turkey hunting, where large doses of lead shot are preferred medi¬
cine and velocity is not so important as it is with steel shot loads.
The most commonly seen shell sizes are 2 5 /s-, 29/i6-, 2 7 /s-, and 3 V 2 -
inch. In England Game Bore currently produces both the 2 7 /s- and
3V2-inch shells. Here in the U.S. 2 7 /8-inch 10-gauge shells are avail¬
able from New England Arms with the 3V2-inch widely available
from a variety of sources. Bore diameter is 0.775-inch.
402 Cartridges of the World
Shotgun Shells
11-Gauge
Historical Notes There is very little information on this odd¬
ball shotshell. Both Parker Brothers and UMC Co. headstamps
are known producers both listed in West Meridan, Connecticut.
The Parker shell featured a large American-type Berdan primer
with three holes inside the case. The UMC loading evidently fea¬
tured an internal primer as it had no external opening to accept a
primer. Best information is that two double guns and about 200
shells were made in the 1890s. Dimensions for the 11-gauge are:
Rim, 0.835"; base, 0.790"; mouth, 0.782"; length, 2.5". 11-gauge
bore diameter is .751-inch.
Historical Notes If there is one shotshell that holds all titles as
most versatile, most popular and most varied in loading, the 12-
gauge is it. Except for the 22 rimfire, by almost any measure, the
12-gauge is the most popular sporting chambering ever offered.
It is commonly available loaded with shot made of lead, steel or
bismuth. Current shot charges range from about 7 /s- ounce to 2 V 2
ounces. Common shot sizes range from #9 through 000 Buck.
Slugs are typically 1-ounce or IV4 ounces but other weights are
available. Further, it is relatively simple to have a moderate¬
sized batch of custom-loaded 12-gauge ammunition with either
an odd-sized shot or reduced velocity, produced by a major man¬
ufacturer. To gain a true perspective, just consider that at one
time in this country there were literally thousands of distinct 12-
gauge loadings offered. Even today, 12-gauge commercial offer¬
ings from only the big three shotshell manufacturers total 435
unique manufacturer and component combinations. Further,
other significant commercial manufacturers offer hundreds more
loadings, especially in steel and bismuth shot. In fact, commer¬
cially available unique 12-gauge loadings exceed the total of all
currently available high-powered rifle loadings for sill calibers by
a significant margin. The 12-gauge has been and is still used for
police and military applications and, as recently as the Viet Nam
conflict, was the preferred weapon of front-line troops for jungle
combat. No gun is more intimidating or more effective for home
defense situations. Properly loaded, the 12-gauge is at home, giv¬
en proper loads, hunting big game up through whitetail deer at
ranges to about 100 yards with some shotguns and loads stretch¬
ing useful range a bit further. For sporting use the 12-gauge per¬
forms admirably on clay pigeons. The key word here is
versatility. If any chambering offers that characteristic, this is
the one. In 1866 a rebated rim reloadable steel 12-gauge shell
was patented by a Mr. Thomas L. Sturtevant. Revolving maga¬
zine four-shot guns chambered for this shell were offered by the
Roper Sporting Arms Company until the early 1880s. Eley in
England currently produces 2- and 2V2-inch shells while here
in the U.S. the 2 3 4-, 3- and 3V2-inch lengths are most common
and available from a variety of sources. Longer and shorter ver¬
sions exist and a rebated rim 2 3 /s-inch steel case is known to
have been produced. Bore diameter for the 12-gauge is .729-
inch.
An all-brass handloaded shotshell loaded with 00
buckshot sent to DBI Books publisher Chuck Harti-
gan as a gift from Mike and Mary Decker of
Kingston, Idaho, after he admired it on a shelf in their
restaurant in 1994. The editor believes the compo¬
nents used were from Winchester circa 1916.
14-Gauge
Historical Notes This chambering was generally available
between 1880 and the early 1900s. Shells were domestically avail¬
able until sometime after WWI and generally available in Europe
until the 1970s. Original loads included a 3-dram, 1-ounce load.
Shells in this gauge are again domestically available from special¬
ty importers. The 14-gauge was experimented with in the 1950s by
Winchester in an aluminum casing using both roll and modified
roll crimps. There was also a modified version using a 12-gauge
case head and lower body. Both brass and plastic versions of these
latter are known. Most commonly seen shell lengths are 2, 2 V 2 and
29/16 inches. The French still produce empty hulls for the 2 9 /i6-inch
version. Bore diameter for the 14-gauge is .693-inch.
8th Edition 403
Chapter 11
15-Gauge
Historical Notes Winchester’s 1877 catalog listed brass only in the best collections. The 15-gauge would have a bore
shells in this gauge. That was the only year these were listed. diameter of .677-inch.
Obviously the 15-gauge is extremely rare. Examples are found
Historical Notes The 16-gauge lingers on, in what seems to be
a nearly perpetual state of surprising continued existence. Intro¬
duction of 3-inch 20-gauge loadings should have sounded the 16’s
death knell since the 20-gauge can launch the same shot charge
at just about the same velocity and, with modem plastic shot
cups, patterning is substantially equivalent. However, there are
just too many perfectly good 16-gauge guns still in use and the
shells, in surprising variety, are still commonly stocked at the
retail level. The 16-gauge is even available in steel shot loadings.
In 1866 a rebated rim reloadable steel 16-gauge shell was patent¬
ed by a Mr. Thomas L. Sturtevant. Revolving magazine four-shot
guns chambered for this shell were offered by the Roper Sporting
Arms Company until the early 1880s. The most common shell
lengths in this gauge are 2 V 2 - and 2 3 / 4 -inch, both currently pro¬
duced by various European manufacturers, and the latter in U.S.
production. The bore diameter for 16-gauge is .662-inch.
64 Maynard
Historical Notes Brass shells of this description were loaded
for various models of Maynard sporting guns. The Model 1865
used a 2 15 /i6-inch shell with a boxer primer. The 1873, adapted
to both the #3 and #4 breech-loading shotguns used a 2 17 /i6-
inch case featuring a modified Berdan primer. The Model 1882
was adapted to a reloadable case of 2 17 /i6-inch length. This
gun, when equipped with interchangeable barrels, also fired
the 40-40 Maynard cartridge. All Maynard shotshells were
made with brass cases. This bore diameter corresponds to
about 18-gauge.
18-Gauge
Historical Notes This European gauge was loaded for use in
shotguns manufactured by Braun & Bloem, Kynoch and Gustave
Genschow. United Metallic Cartridge Company produced a small
batch for use in an experimental Browning shotgun. These shells
were l 7 /s inches long and sometimes featured a 20-gauge head-
stamp. There were also pinfire versions of the 18-gauge. This
gauge is a .637-inch bore.
404 Cartridges of the World
Shotgun Shells
20-Gauge
Historical Notes Very much alive and well, the 20-gauge has
always been popular because it can be chambered in a smaller,
lighter gun compared to the 12 -gauge and offers sufficient
punch for use against most sporting fowl. It is also completely at
home breaking clay pigeons. Usefulness of the 20 -gauge has
improved dramatically since the blackpowder era when the top
loading was 2 3 /4 drams with Vs-ounce of shot. The comparative¬
ly recent standardization of the 3-inch loading brings 20-gauge
performance into a new class with shot charges up to IV 4 ounces
at higher velocity. Loaded with modem shot-protecting cups,
the 20-gauge 3-inch Magnum practically duplicates the perfor¬
mance of top 16-gauge loads. Current loadings range from 1 to
IV4 ounces of shot and include several buckshot combinations
and the Vs-ounce slug. Steel shot loadings up to 1-ounce are
gaining in utility and popularity. By a wide margin the 20-
gauge is the second most popular U.S. chambering. The 2 V 2 -
inch version is currently available from various European
manufacturers. Bore size is .615-inch.
24-Gauge
Historical Notes Single shot shotguns in this bore size
were produced in the U.S. until the late 1930s by Stevens
and Harrington & Richardson. The standard load was 2
drams equivalent and jounce of shot. Shells in this gauge,
and the double barrel guns that shoot them, are still manu¬
factured in Europe. These have recently been available in
the U.S. through American Arms Company and Beretta.
Both CBCC and Fiocchi have made this ammunition avail¬
able domestically. Current loads launch n /i6-ounce of shot.
The most common shell lengths in this gauge are 2 and 2 V 2
inches. The 2V2-inch version is still produced by Fiocchi.
Bore size is .580-inch.
55 Maynard
Historical Notes Brass shells of this description were loaded
for the various models of Maynard sporting guns. The Model 1865
used a 2V4-inch shell with a boxer primer. The Model 1873,
adapted to both the #1 and #2 breech-loading shotguns used a
2 3 /s-inch case featuring a modified Berdan primer. The 1882 load¬
ing used a reloadable case of 2 5 /i6-inch length and was adapted to
the #1 and #2 breech-loading guns. This bore size corresponds to
the 28-gauge.
28-Gauge
Historical Notes The 28-gauge 2 3 / 4 -inch is currently manufac¬
tured in the U.S. The original blackpowder loading used a 2 V 2 -
inch shell with l 3 /4 drams of powder and Vs-ounce of shot. Federal
Cartridge now lists a 2 3 /4-inch, 2 V 4 -dram, 3 / 4 -ounce load with
either #6, #7V2 or #8 shot and a velocity of 1295 fps. The 28-gauge
is perfectly adequate for use in hunting upland birds and is at
home breaking clay pigeons. However, recent innovations in shot-
shell technology have limited the 28-gauge’s popularity since 3-
inch 410 loadings can practically duplicate 28-gauge performance.
Nevertheless, light, easy handling and graceful guns still attract
shotgunners; the 28-gauge hangs on to a small but dedicated fol¬
lowing, chiefly for this reason. Bore size is .550-inch.
8th Edition 405
Chapter 11
32-Gauge
Historical Notes U.S. manufacturers offered 32-gauge guns
well into the 1930s. The Winchester Model 1886 rifle was rou¬
tinely offered on a custom basis especially chambered and bar¬
reled for the 32-gauge shotshell, which is essentially a
52-caliber bore. The standard loading was V 2 -ounce of shot but a
5 /8-ounce shot load and a 158-grain round ball loading were
offered. Loads in this gauge have been continuously available in
Europe and shells are domestically available through Fiocchi
loaded with either #6 or #8 shot. Guns in this chambering have
recently been imported through the American Arms Company.
Even before WWII, the 410 practically duplicated 32-gauge per¬
formance. Nevertheless, light, easy handling guns with grace¬
ful lines still attract European shotgunners; the 32-gauge hangs
on to a small but dedicated following there, chiefly for this rea¬
son. Currently Fiocchi offers the 2 V 2 -inch shell. Actual 32-gauge
bore size is .526-inch.
11.15x52mm
Historical Notes This European brass shotshell was popular in
the early 1900s. It was generally loaded with shot but was also
available in a ball loading for use in rifled barrels. Performance of
this loading would be quite similar to the modem 44 Magnum
shot loadings offered by CCI/Speer. The intended purpose was
small game hunting. For targets the size of rabbits and hares, the
11.15x52mm was reasonably effective. This bore size corresponds
to 0.439-inch and would be called a 55-gauge.
44 XL (19/i6-inch)
Historical Notes Made in the early 1900s, shotguns in this bore
size were intended solely for use in hunting small game. This
could be considered a forerunner to the 410 shotshell. Brass
cases and paper shot containers were used. Overall length was
2V32-inch with a case length of l 9 /32 inches. The standard loading
used #8 shot in a folded paper container, which protruded sub¬
stantially from the brass case. Both single barrel and double bar¬
rel shotguns were offered in this chambering. Actual bore
diameter was similar to the 44-caliber rifle cartridges (0.425-inch)
and would be called 61-gauge.
Historical Notes Though gun and load selection is somewhat
limited, the 410 bore (12mm) is a perfectly good dove and quail
chambering and can be argued as the ideal small game combina¬
tion. A light handy 410 breech-break shotgun is a pleasure to car¬
ry on long hunts and top 3-inch loads deliver all the punch
necessary to cleanly anchor rabbits and smaller species. Many
use this diminutive chambering for breaking clay pigeons. Inter¬
estingly, it is possible to fire 410 shells in 45-70 chambered rifles.
There is also a slug loading but its value for any purpose is cer¬
tainly moot. The 410 follows the 12 and 20 gauges in popularity.
Many young shooters have learned to shoot with a 410 and that
tradition continues. The .410-inch bore would be called 68-gauge.
360 Centerfire
Historical Notes Similar to the more popular 9mm rimfire, this
chiefly European chambering is strictly in the small game and
pest control genre. Shells are found in both paper and brass and
are 1*U inches long. While it might be possible to dispatch small¬
er species of small game with this and other of the various
diminutive shotshell chamberings, such use is questionable. Nev¬
ertheless, none of these are toy cartridges. All high-velocity shot
pellets are equally dangerous, regardless of the source. The chief
problem with the various diminutive shotshells is the lack of suf¬
ficient shot volume to achieve useful hunting pattern density
with shot of sufficient size to get the job done. A 0.360-inch bore
would be called a 99-gauge.
406 Cartridges of the World
Shotgun Shells
9.1x40mm
mss
Historical Notes The 9.1x40mm (.358"xl.575") was an early
European shotshell intended for small game hunting. It was also
offered in a ball loading for use in rifles. While it might be possi¬
ble to dispatch smaller species of small game with this and other
of the various diminutive shotshell chamberings, such use is
questionable. The chief problem with the various diminutive
shotshells is the lack of sufficient shot volume to achieve useful
hunting pattern density with shot of sufficient size to get the job
done. This corresponds to a 0.358-inch bore and would be called a
101-gauge.
9mm Rimfire B5E3
Historical Notes Offered by Winchester for use in the Model 36
shotgun, which was introduced in 1920 and discontinued in 1927.
Only 20,306 such shotguns were made. While that is a surpris¬
ingly small production total for a mainline arms manufacturer, it
is a lot of units for a gun with such limited usefulness and limit¬
ed market. The only viable use for such a chambering is pest con¬
trol. While it might be possible to dispatch smaller species of
small game with this and other of the various diminutive shot-
shell chamberings such use is questionable. The chief problem
with this and other diminutive shotshells is the lack of sufficient
shot valume to achieve useful hunting pattern density with shot
of sufficient size to get the job done. The shotshell length was VU
inches. This corresponds to a 0.354-inch bore and would be called
a 105-gauge.
9mm Centerfire BBSS
Historical Notes Recently available in Europe (Spanish
manufacture), these are found with plastic bodies and a metal
head. The only viable use for such a chambering is pest con¬
trol. While it might be possible to dispatch smaller species of
small game with this and other of the various diminutive shot-
shell chamberings, such use is questionable. The chief prob¬
lem is the lack of sufficient shot volume to achieve useful
hunting pattern density with shot of sufficient size to get the
job done. This corresponds to a 0.354-inch bore and would be
called a 105-gauge.
32 Rimfire
Historical Notes Stevens offered their No. 20 Favorite shotgun
in this caliber. Shell casings were copper or brass and shot con¬
tainers were wood or paper. Case length was Vs-inch for copper
rolled rim or 25 / 32 -inch for those with wooden shot containers.
Overall length for the wooden container shotshells was l 7 /32 inch¬
es. Remington UMC and WRA manufactured these shells. The
only viable use for such a chambering is pest control. While it
might be possible to dispatch smaller species of small game with
this and other of the various diminutive shotshell chamberings,
such use is highly questionable. The chief problem is lack of suffi¬
cient shot volume to achieve useful hunting pattern dinsity with
shot of sufficient size to get the job done. A 0.320-inch bore would
be called a 142-gauge.
8th Edition 407
Chapter 11
310 Remington
Historical Notes This brass-cased, rimfire shotshell was made bolt-action used to shoot miniature clay pigeons. Shell length was
by Remington for a mini-Skeet shooting game. The shotgun was a 1 Vi6-inch..
7mm
Historical Notes This is a European shotshell and long obso¬
lete. It was also available in a ball loading. Shells are usually cop¬
per based with a paper body. The only potential value of such a
chambering is pest control. The 7mm shotshell corresponds to a
0.276-inch bore and would be called a 223-gauge. Most common¬
ly seen length is lV 4 -inch.
6mm
Historical Notes Little is known about this diminutive cham- 6mm corresponds to a 0.236-inch bore and would be called a 353-
bering. The example seen has a metal case head and paper body. gauge.
The only potential value of such a chambering is pest control. The
20-Caliber Wingo
Historical Notes These straight-wall rimfire shells were loaded
by Winchester in the 1970s for use in special single shot lever-
action shotguns used in special indoor Wingo Skeet shooting gal¬
leries. The shells feature a 22 rimfire rim size but have a smaller
case body to prevent chambering of standard 22 rimfire ammuni¬
tion in these guns. Wingo ammunition was assembled with 2.1
grains of Ball powder and approximately 113 No. 12 shot pellets.
Winchester-Western was the sole manufacturer of this cartridge.
The 20-caliber Wingo corresponds to a 0.200-inch bore and would
be called a 582-gauge.
Collath Gauges
Historical Notes Available in 0,1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 gauge, these
were an early 1900s Euopean development. The shells used a unique
gauging system. The 1-gauge is somewhat smaller than the common
12-gauge. Pinfire versions also existed. Collath ammunition was cat¬
aloged as late as 1911. The 5-gauge shell in Frank Napoli’s collection
has a metal band around the outer brass and paper joint. The empty
shells were made in Frankfurt, Germany and available in the Alfa
Arms Catalog of 1911. Although never very popular, specimens are
sometimes seen in collections and at gun shows. The unusual sizings
and headstamps can cause confusion.
408 Cartridges of the World
Shotgun Shells
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8th Edition 409
SHOTSHELL LOADS
TABLE 1
40-Yard Patterns
Full, Modified and Improved Cylinder Chokes
Lead and Steel Shot
12-Gauge, 2 3 / 4 -lnch Loads, 1979
Approx.
Load
Choke
Pellets
per oz.
Nominal
Number
Pellets
in Load
Pattern
Per Cent
1 i/ 8 -oz. #2 Steel
Full
120
135
76
1V 8 -oz. #2 Steel
Mod.
120
135
68
1 t/ 8 -oz. #2 Steel
Imp. Cyl.
120
135
44
1V4-0Z. #2 Steel
Full
120
150
76
11/4-oz. #2 Steel
Mod.
120
150
68
IV4-0Z. #2 Steel
Imp. Cyl.
120
150
44
1V4-0Z. #4 Lead*
Full
135
169
72
11/4-oz. #4 Lead*
Mod.
135
169
56
11/4-oz. #4 Lead*
Imp. Cyl.
135
169
34
11/2-oz. #4 Lead*
Full
135
202
73
11/0-oz. #4 Leatf’XX”
Full
135
202
87
'This is a standard, non-buffered load
TABLE 2
Pellet Count and Distribution in Patterns
Full, Modified and Improved Cylinder Chokes
Lead and Steel Shot
12-Gauge, 2 3 / 4 -lnch Loads, 1979
Pattern Percent Pellets in Pattern
40 Yards
40 Yards
Approx.
Annular
Annular
Number
Area,
Area,
Pellets
30”
20 ”
30”-20”
30”
20 ”
30”-20”
Load
Choke
in Load
Circle
Circle
Circle
Circle
Circle
Circle
11/8-oz. #2 Steel
Full
135
76
47
29
103
64
39
11/8-oz. #2 Steel
Mod.
135
68
40
28
92
54
38
11/8-oz. #2 Steel
Imp. Cyl.
135
44
22
22
60
30
30
11/4-oz. #2 Steel
Full
150
76
47
29
114
71
43
11/4-oz. #2 Steel
Mod.
150
68
40
28
102
60
42
11/4-oz. #2 Steel
Imp. Cyl.
150
44
22
22
66
33
33
11/4-oz. #4 Lead*
Full
169
72
43
29
122
73
49
11/4-oz. #4 Lead*
Mod.
169
56
29
27
95
49
46
11/2-oz. #4 Lead*
Full
202
73
44
29
147
89
58
11/2-oz. #4 Lead”XX”
Full
202
87
59
28
176
119
57
'This is a standard, non-buffered load Notes: Area of 30” Circle:707 sq. in.
Area of 20” Circle:314 sq. in.
Annular area:707 - 314:393 sq. in.
Shotgun Shells
TABLE 3
Downrange Velocities and Energies
Lead and Steel Shot
12-Gauge, 23/ 4 -lnch Loads
Load
Velocity @ 3 ft.
Nominal Measured
ft/sec.
Downrange Velocity,
Measured
at 40 yd.
Energy p/Pellet
at 40 yd.
11/8-oz. #2 Steel
1365
1350
773
4.84
1 1/4-oz. #2 Steel
1300
1305
761
4.69
11/4-oz. #4 Lead
1330
1319
803
4.64
11/2-oz. #4 Lead
1260
1252
778
4.35
11/2-oz. #4 Lead*
1260
1240
793
4.52
*Buffered load
40-Yard Penetration
20 Percent Ordnance Gelatin
Lead and Steel Shot
12-Gauge, 23/ 4 -lnch Loads
Energy
Velocity
Per Pellet
Energy Density
Penetration
At 3 ft.
At 40 yd.
At 40 yd.
in Gelatin
Load
ft/sec.
ft-lb.
ft-lb/sq. in.
inches
11 /8-oz. #2 Steel
1350
4.84
274
2.0
11/4-oz. #2 Steel
1305
4.69
265
1.9
11/4-oz. #4 Lead
1319
4.64
350
2.5
11/2-oz. #4 Lead
1252
4.35
328
2.4
11/2-oz. #4 Lead*
1240
4.52
341
2.5
*Buffered load
COMPARATIVE SHOTGUN SLUG PERFORMANCE
Gauge
Shell Length Slug Weight
ins./mm oz./grs.
Slug
Type
MV
Velocity (fps)
50 yds
100 yds
MV
Energy (fpe)
50 yds 100 yds
10
31/2/89
13/4/766
Foster
1280
1080
970
2785
1980
1605
12
3/76
11/4/547
Foster
1600
1320
1130
3110
2120
1785
12
3/76
13/8/600
Brenneke
1502
1144
936
3017
1749
1240
12
3/76
1/437.5
Foster
1760
1345
1075
3009
1396
891
12
3/76
1/437.5
Sabot
1550
1410
1190
2400
1665
1220
12
23/4/70
11/4/547
Foster
1520
1260
1090
2805
1930
1450
12
23/4/70
11/10/490
Brenneke
1590
1190
975
2745
1540
1035
12
23/4/70
1/437.5
Foster
1680
1285
1045
2741
1605
1061
12
23/4/70
1/437.5
Foster
1610
1330
1140
2520
1725
1255
12
23/4/70
1/437.5
Sabot
1450
1320
1130
2100
1475
1120
12
23/4/70
1/437.5
Foster
1560
1175
977
2364
1342
927
16
23/4/70
4/5/350
Foster
1600
1180
990
1990
1075
755
16
23/4/70
9/10/415
Brenneke
1590
1190
975
2320
1300
875
20
23/4/70
3/4/328
Foster
1600
1270
1070
1865
1175
835
20
23/4/70
7/8/370
Brenneke
1590
1190
975
2080
1165
780
410
21/2/63.5
1/5/88
Foster
1830
1340
1060
650
345
215
410
3/76
1/4/110
Brenneke
1755
1162
917
780
342
213
Chapter 12
CARTRIDGE IDENTIFICATION
CARTRIDGE identification is important to anyone who
works with cartridges, whatever the reason. It is of par¬
ticular consequence to those involved in forensic firearms
identification, military intelligence or serious collecting. In
addition to the information presented here, the collector of
old, obsolete cartridges has special problems involving
ignition systems and types not manufactured for 100
years or more. Much of this is beyond the scope of this
book, but the basic procedures are still the same.
In teaching classes in firearms identification, I always
tell my students that the easiest way to identify a car¬
tridge is to look at the headstamp, if there is one, because
in many instances that will tell you exactly what it is.
Unfortunately, it isn’t always that simple since some car¬
tridges don’t have headstamps, or if it is a military or for¬
eign round, the headstamp may not be readily
decipherable. Additionally, the headstamp may be mis¬
leading. You might be dealing with a wildcat cartridge,
something made by necking an original brass case up or
down or otherwise changing the configuration. For exam¬
ple the 30-06 case is used as the basis for a variety of wild¬
cats using both military and commercial brass, so the
headstamp would only indicate the original brass, not the
actual cartridge. Cartridge identification may range from
a simple determination of caliber to the more complex
ascertainment of the country of origin, date of origin, place
of manufacture and the type of gun involved.
The various factors and problems involved in cartridge
identification can be summarized as follows:
I. What is the caliber and/or other designation of the
cartridge? For example, 38 Special, 9mm Luger, 250
Savage, 7.62x39mm (M43) Russian, 303 British, etc.
II. What type of cartridge is it, handgun, rifle, sporting
or military? Is it modem or obsolete?
IILWhat is the country of origin, who made it and when
was it made? The headstamp is usually the clue to
these questions, but it may not answer all of them.
IV. What is the functional character of the cartridge—
ball, tracer, incendiary, explosive, sporting, match, etc.
V. Is the cartridge functional? This usually requires
actual testing and is important primarily to those in
the forensic field. Obviously, one does not testfire rare
and valuable collectors cartridges.
Cartridges are classified on the basis of ignition type,
case shape, and rim type. Combustion of the propellant
charge is initiated by the primer. If the priming compound
is distributed around the rim of the cartridge, it is a rim-
fire. If the priming compound is contained in a separate
cup in the center of the case head, it is a centerfire. All
small arms cartridges are percussion fired, that is, the
primer is detonated by the blow or impact of a hammer or
firing pin. However, some military ammunition, usually
of 20mm or greater, is electrically fired. There are two
types of centerfire primers currently in general use, Boxer
and Berdan. The Boxer primer is entirely self-contained
with the anvil (see illustration page 413) as a part of the
primer. The Berdan type lacks the anvil which is produced
as a small “tit” or protrusion in the primer pocket. Boxer-
primed cases have a single flash hole in the center of the
primer pocket, whereas Berdan-primed cases have two or
more flash holes surrounding the anvil. The Boxer-type
primer is used almost exclusively in the United States at
the present time, although some Berdan-primed car¬
tridges were manufactured here in the 1800s and early
1900s. The Berdan type is preferred by many European
manufacturers and is usually an indication of such origin.
The cartridge base and rim type are an important iden¬
tifying feature. They also serve an important functional
purpose in feeding and extraction of the cartridge within
the gun mechanism. There are five rim types: rimmed,
semi-rimmed, rimless, belted and rebated. (See illustra¬
tion on page 413.)
Rimmed cartridges have a rim or extractor flange of
larger diameter than the base often with a grooved or
412 Cartridges of the World
Cartridge Identification
undercut area immediately ahead of the rim. Semi-
rimmed cartridges have a rim that is only slightly larger
in diameter than the base and usually also a distinct
undercut area between the rim and the base. It is some¬
times difficult to recognize a semi-rimmed cartridge with¬
out actually measuring the rim and base diameter, and
they can easily be mistaken for a rimless case. Rimless
cartridges have a rim and base of the same diameter
although the rim may actually be .001- or .002-inch larger
than the base. They are the most common type of military
cartridge. Belted cartridges have a distinct belt or flange
at the base, just forward of the rim, and an extractor
groove between the rim and the belt. Rebated cartridges
have a rim of smaller diameter than the base, plus a defi¬
nite extractor groove between the rim and the base or belt.
There are not many cartridges of this design, and they are
usually easy to identify. There are a few rebated rim
designs where the rim is only very slightly smaller than
the case head. The 404 Jeffery and its derivatives (chiefly
the Imperial and Canadian Magnums) are the best exam¬
ples. These can be difficult to identify without taking care-
fiil measurements. Also, note that naming a case design
“semi-rimmed” versus “rimmed” is strictly a subjective
call—there is no specified difference in base diameter and
rim diameter that automatically separates these two
styles. However, cases described as semi-rimmed are usu¬
ally visually distinguishable from similar rimless cases.
The shape or configuration of the cartridge case is also
an important identifying characteristic. Cartridges can be
divided into the following 10 case types:
A. Rimmed bottleneck
B. Rimmed straight
C. Rimless bottleneck
D. Rimless straight
E. Belted bottleneck
F. Belted straight
G. Semi-rimmed bottleneck
H. Semi-rimmed straight
I. Rebated bottleneck
J. Rebated straight
K. Rebated belted bottleneck
L. Rebated belted straight
Each of these types has a letter designation that is used
in the cartridge dimensional tables at the end of each
chapter. Note that cases described as “straight” are often
tapered; case diameter can be considerably larger at the
base, compared to the neck.
The bullet or projectile also provides a clue to the iden¬
tity of a cartridge, its functional use and the gun it is fired
in. Based on the material or construction, bullets are
divided into two major types: lead and jacketed. Lead bul¬
lets are used for low-velocity guns, such as handguns or
blackpowder arms. However, they may also be used for
target practice in more powerful guns. Training cartridges
may have wooden, fiber, composition or plastic bullets.
The shape of the projectile is also important and can be
round-nose, flat-nose, conical or spitzer (sharp pointed).
Because of the Hague Convention, military bullets do not
have lead exposed at the point and are restricted to full-
metal-jacketed types. Sporting ammunition or that
8th Edition 413
Chapter 12
intended for civilian use can have a variety of bullet tips
with varying degrees of lead exposed, hollowpoint, plastic
tips and bronze or other metal tips to control expansion in
the target.
Bullets for military use can also be classified in terms
of special functional design, such as ball; tracer (T);
armor-piercing (AP); incendiary (I); high explosive (HE);
and observation/ranging, or spotter-tracer types. There
may also be two or more of these combined in the same
bullet, such as APT, API-T, HEI or HE-T. Not all types
are made in every caliber since their function is devel¬
oped to fulfill a specific military requirement. In addi¬
tion, their makeup depends to some extent on the gun
they are to be used in. In general, ball, or full metal jack¬
eted (FMJ), bullets are intended for use against person¬
nel or unarmored vehicles. They usually have a lead core
covered by a cupronickel jacket, or a mild steel jacket
plated with some copper alloy. These can be easily iden¬
tified with a magnet. At one time the French 8mm Lebel
military bullet was made of solid bronze. Tracer bullets
are used for fire correction or target designation. They
cannot be distinguished from ball unless they have some
identifying marking such as a colored tip (usually, but
not always, red). Armor piercing bullets are also similar
to ball except they have a hardened steel or tungsten
alloy core. They may or may not have a colored tip.
Incendiary bullets contain an incendiary mixture that
ignites on impact. Visual identification depends on the
color coding system used. High explosive bullets are
uncommon, but they do exist. They are made to explode
on impact and can only be recognized by the color cod¬
ing. Observation and ranging bullets are intended to pro¬
duce a flash and/or a puff of smoke to mark the point of
impact. Again they are recognizable only if they are col¬
or coded. One should handle any ammunition with a col¬
ored bullet tip with great care as appropriate.
Headstamp Markings
The headstamp is the stamped markings on the head of
the cartridge. Information that can be obtained from the
headstamp is extremely varied and depends on the
intended purpose or use of the cartridge and who manu¬
factured it. Headstamps consist of one or more parts or
information elements. Cartridges intended for sporting or
civilian use usually have two elements; one identifies the
caliber and the other the manufacturer. Military car¬
tridges may have anywhere from one to five elements
including caliber, date and place of manufacture plus oth¬
er identifying markings. Some headstamps are segment¬
ed, that is, they have one or more segment lines that
divide the head into two to four equal parts. This usually
indicates an older cartridge since most countries discon¬
tinued segment lines shortly after World War I. The loca¬
tion of the elements is most conveniently indicated by its
clock face orientation in which 12 o’clock is at the top, 3
o’clock at the right, 6 o’clock at the bottom and 9 o’clock at
the left. The basic U.S. military headstamp prior to World
War II had two elements with the factory code at 12
o’clock and the date at 6 o’clock. The rapid expansion of
ammunition manufacturing facilities as the result of the
war introduced many new designs without any effort at
standardization. Some used three elements spaced
equidistant from each other while others adoted a four ele¬
ment system located at 12,3,6 and 9 o’clock. Also the loca¬
tion of the factory code was changed, in some instances, to
6 o’clock or other locations.
Worldwide, there are over 800 military headstamps in
existence plus some 400 or more commercial headstamps
that have existed at various times. Obviously, this is a
complex and highly specialized field. Several volumes
have been published on headstamps including at least
three by various U.S. governmental agencies. In addition,
some books for cartridge collectors include headstamp
data on obsolete cartridges. Since it would require anoth¬
er whole book to adequately cover the subject, it is quite
impossible to include more than a few basics here. How¬
ever, we have listed several sources for such data to assist
those readers who find a need for it.
The procedure for identifying a cartridge, using the
tables in Cartridges of the World, is as follows:
1. First look at the headstamp and see what, if any,
information is provided there.
2. Look at the cartridge and determine what type it is:
straight, necked, rimmed, rimless, etc.
3. Measure the dimensions of the cartridge and make
up a table as follows:
Type (A, B, C, D, etc., as shown in the tables)
Bullet Diameter
Neck Diameter
Shoulder Diameter (if there is one)
Base Diameter
Rim Diameter
Case Length
Cartridge Length
Now go to Chapter 18 of the book and compare your
data with the dimensional tables in that chapter.
Check the bullet diameters or calibers, under the prop¬
er type, next compare the case length and finally the oth¬
er dimensions with your measurements. The type of
cartridge case, caliber and case length are the key ele¬
ments to start with. For practice, two examples are shown
below. See if you can identify the cartridges.
Example #1
Example #2
Type: C
Bullet Dia.:
.308"
Type:B
Bullet Dia.:
.410"
Neck Dia.:
.340"
Neck Dia.:
.432"
Shoulder Dia.:
.441"
Shoulder Dia.:
n/a
Base Dia.:
.470"
Base Dia.:
.433"
Rim Dia.:
.473"
Rim Dia.:
.488"
Case Length:
2.490"
Case Length:
1.280"
Ctg. Length:
3.340"
Ctg. Length:
1.580"
Bear in mind that there is a certain amount of manu¬
facturing tolerance to be allowed for and your measure¬
ments may vary .001- to .002-inch plus or minus from
some dimensions in the table. The cartridge in Example 1
will be found in the chapter on modem rifle cartridges;
Example 2 is the chapter on handgun cartridges. Not
every known cartridge is listed in Cartridges of the World,
particularly the more obscure blackpowder types. Howev¬
er, practically all modem sporting and military are includ¬
ed so most readers will not have any difficulty. The idea
here is to help you to determine what the cartridge is
rather than where it originated or when.
414 Cartridges of the World
EXAMPLES OF HEADSTAMP STYLES
Cartridge Identification
8th Edition 415
Chapter 12
In trying to identify cartridges, there are a couple of
things the reader should be aware of. For one thing, the
major ammunition manufacturers have, from time to
time, made up batches of ammunition on special order
with the purchaser’s headstamp. Anyone can do this if
your order is large enough and you have the money. Then
there is the matter of commercial reloading firms that
turn out ammunition for police departments and others
using recycled brass cases of varying make and loaded
with powder and bullets never used by the original com¬
pany. Last, but not least, you have the individual hand-
loader whose imagination is unbounded and who may
turn out a few wondrous and non- standard products.
Headstamp Markings Of The Principal
American Ammunition Manufacturers
Federal Cartridge Co.
General Electric Co.
Newton Arms Co.
Peters Cartridge Co.
E. Remington & Sons
(1870-1890)
Remington Arms Co.
Robin Hood Ammunition Co.
Savage Arms Co.
Savage Repeating Arms Co.
Richard Speer Manufacturing Co.
Union Metallic Cartridge Co.
Purchased by Remington in 1911
United States Cartridge Co.
(1869 to 1936)
Western Cartridge Co.
Winchester
Winchester-Western
Rimfire, AL EP, G or G,
HP, F, XL, XR and WM
Centerfire, FC
GE plus date (military)
NA plus caliber (Made by
Rem.)
Rimfire, P or PETERSHV
Centerfire, P, PC, P.C.,
PCCO, PETERS
E. REMINGTON & SONS
U, UMC, REM, REM"
UMC, R-P,
RAH
R, RHA, R.H.A. Co.
S. A. Co. (made by U.S.
Cartridge Co.)
S.A. Co., S.R.A.C.O.
SPEER WEATHERBY
U, UMC or R B
US, U.S.,, "U.S
CARTRIDGE
CO", U.S.C. CO. or RL
SUPER X, SUPER-X,
W, WCC,
W.C. Co. WESTERN
W, H, SUPER SPEED,
W. C. Co.,
W-W, super speed
There were about 15 other companies that manufac¬
tured ammunition at various times, particularly during
the 1860-1900 period. Also a number of private firms
manufactured military ammunition during World War I
and II.
United States Arsenal Headstamp Markings
Alleghany Ordnance Plant
Denver Ordnance Plant
Des Moines Ordnance Plant
Eau Claire Ordnance Plant
Evansville Ordnance Plant
Frankford Arsenal
KS plus date
DEN plus date
DM plus date
EW plus date
ECS plus date
CF plus date (45-70)
F plus date
FA plus date
Lake City Arsenal
Lowell Ordnance Plant
Milwaukee Ordnance Plant
Saint Louis Ordnance Plant
Twin Cities Ordnance Plant
Utah Ordnance Plant
LC plus date
LM plus date
M plus date
SL plus date
TW plus date
U or UT plus date
U.S. Small Arms Ammunition Color Codes
Bullet Tip Marking
Black
Red
White
Blue
Functional Type
Armor piercing (AP)
Tracer
Tracer, aircraft type
Incendiary
Bibliography of Cartridge
Identification Publications
Jane's Directory of Military Small Arms Ammunition,
by Ian V. Hogg. Jane’s Publications, Inc., N.Y., N.Y., 1988.
Cartridges For Collectors, by Fred A. Datig. The Fadco
Publishing Co., Vol. 1,1956 and Vol. 2,1958.
Cartridges For Collectors, by Fred A. Datig. Borden
Publishing Co., Los Angeles, Calif., Vol. 3,1967.
Handbuch der Pistolen und Revolver Patronen, Vol. 1,
by Hams A. Erlmeier und Jakob H. Brandt. E. Schwend
GmbH, West Germany, 1967.
History of Modern U.S. Military Small Arms and
Ammunition, by F.W. Hackley, W.H. Woodin, and E.L.
Scranton. The Macmillan Co., N.Y., N.Y., 1967.
Cartridges, by Herschel C. Logan. The Stackpole Co.,
Harrisburg, PA, 1959.
Cartridge Guide 11171, by Dr. Manfred R. Rosenberg-
er, and Lilia E. Rosenberger. Sporting Goods GmbH, Bre¬
men, West Germany, 1971.
The American Cartridge, by Charles R. Suydam. G.
Robert Lawrence, Santa Ana, CA, 1960.
Centerfire Metric Pistol and Revolver Cartridges, Vol¬
ume 1 of Cartridge Identification, H.P. White and B.D.
Mundhall. The Infantry Journal Press, Washington, DC,
1948.
Centerfire American and British Pistol and Revolver
Cartridges, Volume 2 of Cartridge Identification, by H.P.
White and B.D. Munhall. The Combat Force Press, Wash¬
ington, DC, 1950.
Cartridge Headstamp Guide, by H.P. White and
B.D. Munhall. H.P. White Laboratory, Bel Air, MD,
1963.
Small-Caliber Ammunition Identification Guide, Vol¬
ume 1 & 2; Army Material Development and Readiness
Command, DST-1160G-514-78-Vol. I & II.
Recognition Guide of Ammunition Available to, or Used
by, The Viet Cong; Dept, of the Army Pamphlet #381-12,
1966.
Small Arms Ammunition Identification Guide; U.S.
Army Foreign Science Technology Center, FSTC-CW-7-
68, Washington, DC 20315.
416 Cartridges of the World
Chapter 13
A SHORT HISTORY
OF PROPELLANT POWDERS
by M.L. McPherson
ALTHOUGH THE origin of blackpowder is lost in histo¬
ry, we do know that it was the first substance used for pro¬
pelling objects from tubes with one essentially closed
end—later referred to as barrels, owing to their banded
resemblance to wooden water barrels. In the Middle Ages
alchemists tested various formulations related to fulmi¬
nate of mercury for cannon fodder, all were entirely too
violent for that purpose. Later came energetic nitrations
of cellulose, guanidine and ammonia. Also worthy of men¬
tion are various compositions combining these substances
with various organics. These compositions represented an
effort to mitigate the energy release of the smokeless com¬
pounds. Most recently we have seen “new” blackpowder
substances, Pyrodex and Arco powder, added to the list.
Chemists have tested several other substances, some of
which found some application. However, these are the
most important. We will contain our discussion to this list
and a few others.
What was the first use of a propellant in the military
context? In the 13th Century, armies of the Middle East
(Greek and Muslim) used a crude mixture of potassium
nitrate and pine pitch (or petroleum) to power rockets.
Evidently these were less than a booming success. No
doubt the unpredictable nature of the propellant mix was
a major concern. Even if combatants did use these devices
primarily for psychological effect, the effect was often a
two-edged sword—gunnery crews needed to have faith
that the weapons they were using would bring destruction
upon the enemy and not those pulling the trigger.
Blackpowder was the first substance adapted to use as
a propellant powder in the modem sense. The best evi¬
dence is that the Chinese were the first to have discovered
this physical mixture of potassium nitrate [KNO3], ele¬
mental sulfur [S] and charcoal (elemental carbon [C] with
an imprecise admixture of various hydrocarbons). The
Chinese certainly knew of blackpowder dating to at least
the 8th century bc. Roger Bacon described the product in
1242 ad but in an anagram. His intention, evidently, was
to veil his discovery, as if that might somehow delay oth¬
ers from discovering and using blackpowder for potential¬
ly nefarious purposes—such misdirections have seldom
been of much value.
The first known recording of blackpowder in Europe
was in 848 ad by Marcus Graecus in a treatise called
Liber Ignium, which was almost four centuries earlier
than Bacon’s widely credited 1242 anagrammatized ref¬
erences.
It is likely that several Europeans discovered the basic
product, blackpowder, at about the same time. Certainly,
it is most likely that various experimenters independently
discovered blackpowder’s propellant properties—and
chemistry students are still at it. Although, as noted, the
Chinese knew of blackpowder for many centuries, there is
certainly no proof that the Chinese were either first or
unique in their discovery. It is very likely that Bacon or
others deduced the mix, based upon hearsay, without ever
seeing its use in firecracker type devices or as a novelty
compound.
The vagaries of an uncertain history have shrouded all
such information. What is a bit more certain is that Bacon
was among the first to have realized the potential military
applications and, specifically, blackpowder’s potential for
destructive use. Interestingly, we do know that because of
military secrecy we cannot know with any certainty any¬
thing about the first use of blackpowder to launch a pro¬
jectile. What that means is that sometime after 1242
someone adapted some type of tube and projectile for use
with a charge of blackpowder, but we can never know for
certain who, where or when—let alone the effectiveness of
that device.
Experimenters fashioned the earliest guns by hollow¬
ing out pieces of wood. Obviously these were not strong
enough to withstand substantial charges of properly pre¬
pared blackpowder, even without any projectile inserted.
That weakness led to the introduction of the steel-banded
wooden structure. Artisans fashioned these in direct copy
of the well-established banded water barrel. Hence the
name “barrel.”
For various reasons, powder makers did not establish
or follow exact formulations for the most energetic form of
blackpowder until centuries later. One problem was that
raw ingredients were often of unknown and variable puri¬
ty. Another factor was that each manufacturing crafts¬
man kept his favorite recipe a trade secret. An important
consideration was that different applications required
more-or-less energetic formulations. Across a wide range,
adjusting the percentages of each ingredient serves to
change the rate of combustion. While changing the com-
8th Edition 417
Chapter 13
positional balance also alters energy production, effects of
that change were not an issue for several centuries—
owing to limitations in barrel strength.
Typical formulations of blackpowder from various eras
are listed below in parts by weight from The Chemistry of
Powder and Explosives.
Historical Blackpowder Formulations
Source
Saltpeter
Charcoal
Sulfur
8 th century, Marcus Graecus
662/3
222/9
11 Vg
8 th century, Marcus Graecus
96.22
23.07
7.69
Roger Bacon, c. 1252
37.50
31.25
31.25
Ardeme (laboratory Sample), c.
1350 662/3
222/9
II 1/9
Whitehome, c. 1560
50
I 62/3
Bruxelles studies, c. 1560
75
15.62
9.38
British Government Contract, c.
1635 25
12.50
12.50
Bishop Watson, c. 1781
75
15
10
Typical, c. 1990
75
15
10
What those early producers strove to realize was a
product that generated the most performance without
destroying the fragile gun. More of a slower, less efficient,
product could often produce more projectile range without
busting the gun—that was all that mattered. We follow
the same path today.
The first formulations of blackpowder were simply
loose physical mixtures and would not stay properly
mixed during handling. Gunners had to use these pow¬
ders without significant transport, which rapidly separat¬
ed the component particles. Also, owing to the extremely
hygroscopic nature of the original variety of raw black¬
powder, powder makers most often mixed the product on
the battlefield and immediately before its use. This devel¬
opment added an interesting new specter to battle. For
the first time in military history, the principles found
themselves concentrating on protecting their own turf!
Very early on it was discovered that coating the loose
powder granules with graphite significantly reduced their
potential to absorb moisture. Some evidence suggests that
producers might have standardized this approach as ear¬
ly as the late 13th century. However, the advantages
offered by graphite (also called blacklead at that time)
were of little value when cannoneers typically used the
powder within minutes of preparation!
Around the same time, experimenters discovered the
recrystallization purification of saltpeter. Again, the dis¬
advantage was that typical guns of the era simply could
not withstand the new powder. For hundreds of years,
cannoneers preferred the original blackpowder product for
most applications.
By 1450 most manufacturers had adopted a more-or-
less standard blackpowder composition, by weight: 50
parts potassium nitrate [KNO 3 ] (common name saltpeter),
25 parts sulfur [S] and 25 parts charcoal (essentially car¬
bon [C] with a small percentage of hydrocarbons). Produc¬
tion included pulverization of these ingredients, which
were mixed in the dry state to form Serpentine Powder.
Burning this material provided all the energy necessary
(by deflagration, a rapid burning) to generate gun burst¬
ing pressures if cannoneers used a too heavy projectile.
Therefore, despite the poor energy yield, serpentine pow¬
der was sufficient to the task; there was little demand for
a more energetic formulation.
When stronger gun barrels became available, limita¬
tions of serpentine powder began to matter to gunners
and battle strategists. Perfection of corn powder
occurred in about 1450 in Nuremberg. This came after
initial investigations in France beginning in the mid-
1300s. Production of this product begins with a paste of
the basic ingredients plus water. Application of crush¬
ing blows from large hammers or crushing from large
rolling stone wheels provides the energy necessary to
process the paste. The resulting well-mixed paste dries
to produce a layer of product where the ingredients are
in intimate physical contact. Constituent particle size is
reduced to any required size by simply extending the
mechanical mixing of the paste. The longer the mixing
and the finer the constituent particles, the cleaner and
more rapid the powder’s combustion. After partial dry¬
ing, manipulation of the resulting sheets breaks the
material into small pieces called corn—the name
derives from the general size and shape of the resulting
particles (com is also a term for various cereal grains of
European origin).
In the most advanced production, the final step was
application of a graphite glaze to the com powder, which
occurred soon after drying, polishing and sieving.
Graphite glazing represented a significant improvement
and offered several benefits. First, it reduced the tendency
of the granules to absorb moisture directly from the air.
Second, it reduced the tendency for the production of stat¬
ic electric charges as a result of inter-particle mixing.
Third, it improved the powder’s flow characteristics.
Finally, it reduced the tendency of the powder granules to
form large cakes while in storage. Excepting the final of
these factors, graphite glazing provides the same benefits
in modem smokeless powder.
Owing to the intimate inter-crystalline physical contact
the wet mixing process imparts, com powder bums at
least twice the rate of serpentine powder. This creates a
significant indirect benefit. Back-venting through the
touch-hole consumes very little (effectively, almost none)
of the combustion force. Conversely, serpentine powder
loses considerable performance in this manner. Corned
powder leaves less residue and requires less careful ram¬
ming (serpentine powder could ignite during loading). As
a result of these benefits, when used in a weight-for-
weight replacement, corned powder produces one-third
more power than serpentine powder.
Despite corned powder’s benefits, serpentine powder
retained a stronghold for applications in lower strength
barrels for many decades. Employment of corned powder
in small arms in England began long before 1560. Howev¬
er, high cost and excessive power barred corned powder
from use with early ordnance—the big guns.
Comparison of blackpowder energy production from
From Clubs to Cannons by O.F.G. Hogg is shown below.
Relative Blackpowder Energy Levels
Powder
Strength
—Composition—
Type
Factor
Saltpeter
Sulfur Charcoal
Serpentine
57%
50
25
25
Corned
75%
50
25
25
Modem
100 %
75
10
15
Bacon’s
41.2%
37.5
31.25
31.25
418 Cartridges of the World
A Short History of Propellant Powders
Here we should note that blackpowder does bum and
that it is also a progressive burning substance. At low
temperatures, increasing temperature about 10°C doubles
the rate of combustion. In a propellant charge, the tem¬
perature of combustion easily exceeds 2000°C. In a typical
cartridge, complete combustion of a charge of blackpow¬
der occurs in less than 0.005 seconds. A comparable
charge burned freely in the atmosphere might take sever¬
al tenths of a second to fully consume.
That blackpowder bums, rather than detonates, is easi¬
ly proven by examining the performance of progressively
smaller granulations in otherwise identical loadings. As one
tests progressively smaller particles, the rate of pressure
generation increases. In effect, the particles, ignite and
bum inward from their perimeters until combustion is com¬
plete. The smaller the particles, the greater the initial com¬
bustion surface and the faster combustion is completed.
Any significant deviation from the typical modem for¬
mula reduces both combustion rate and effective energy
yield of blackpowder. This reduces internal ballistic per¬
formance in firearms applications. However, such alter¬
nate formulations are in common use for other
applications.
One final note on blackpowder regards its ultimate
development as a propellant. Napoleon’s chemists perfect¬
ed this final advancement. It was discovered that incorpo¬
ration of one or more central holes in hexagonal prisms of
blackpowder was extremely beneficial. This design allowed
use of larger granules, which, upon combustion, initially
generated gas comparatively slowly. As combustion pro¬
ceeded, the rate of gas generation increased. A single cen¬
tral perforation created a substance that burned with a flat
rate response curve—as combustion progressed, the area
of combustion and, therefore, the amount of energy
released was constant (at a constant confining pressure).
Multi-perforation granules were true progressive burning
substances—as burning progressed, the rate of energy
release increased (even when combustion occurred under a
steady confining pressure). Within a given pressure limi¬
tation, use of perforated granules (which were more com¬
plicated to manufacture) allowed loadings producing vastly
more energy, compared to use of optimum-sized non-perfo-
rated granules. The same scheme is in use today in the
most effective smokeless powders.
Cocoapowder, also known as brownpowder, was an
improvement upon blackpowder. The saltpeter content
was slightly higher than the best blackpowder composi¬
tions (up to 80 percent). It also incorporated a reduction in
sulfur content (sometimes to zero). Most importantly, it
used brown charcoal (from about 17.6 percent to 20 per¬
cent). Partial combustion of rye straw produces brown
charcoal, which includes considerable hydrocarbons.
Typical brown powder compositions are shown below
from Davis’ The Chemistry of Powder & Explosives .
Brown Powder Composition
Country
Saltpeter
Brown
Charcoal
Sulfur
England
79
18
3
England
77.4
17.6
5
Germany
78
19
3
Germany
80
20
0
France
78
19
3
Equal weights of representative blackpowders now available for
sporting purposes. Elephant Brand powder also offers a FFFFFg
(5F) granulation. That product looks more like dust than blackpow¬
der. It is suggested that an ignition powder using about 30 percent
of 5F mixed with 4F can improve flintlock ignition. Elephant and
GOEX do not use the same formulation; ballistics differ. Typically,
4F is used only as a flintlock ignition powder. However, with certain
bullets it works quite well in the Ruger Old Army revolver, providing
very clean burning and good ballistics. Normally, 3F is used in guns
of 45-caliber and smaller. For guns of 45-caliber and larger, 2F is
preferred. Shotguns can use F grade. However, F is nominally a
cannon-grade granulation useful in salute cannons.
Equal charges of blackpowder and several substitutes are still
quite widely used in sporting applications. GOEX offers a com¬
plete sporting line, as represented by FFg, shown here. They
also offer Cartridge grade, intended for use in the long Sharps
cartridges such as the 45-120 and 50-140 with heavy bullets.
Black Canyon Powder is capable of good performance but
requires careful attention to loading details. Pyrodex is the stan¬
dard to which all blackpowder substitutes compare. It duplicates
blackpowder performance with less fouling and reduced corro¬
sion potential. Arco’s BlackMag3 is an exciting new propellant
with many interesting characteristics.
GOEX FFg
8th Edition 419
Chapter 13
The reduction of sulfur content slowed the combustion
rate of these powders. Sulfur’s role in the combustion of
blackpowder is not simple to define. It is something of a
catalyst and something of a plastic carrier that promotes
intimate contact of the active particles while also rapidly
conducting heat. Owing to a slower combustion rate, com¬
pared to blackpowder, these various brownpowders pro¬
vided improved ballistics. Similarly, they produced less
steel-attacking acid.
The higher hydrocarbon content of the partially burned
rye straw, compared to typical charcoal, was the secret.
The brown charcoal was sufficiently plastic to supplant
the role of sulfur in that regard. It easily flowed to achieve
intimate contact with the oxidizing saltpeter.
In gunnery applications brownpowders were, however,
more difficult to ignite, compared to blackpowder. Also,
these products were more apt to ignite under the process
of vigorous shaking or stirring. This type of powder saw
application in the Spanish American war of 1898 with
impressive effect. However, owing to its volatile nature,
unused stocks were destroyed. Owing to its superior
potential as a projectile propellant, smokeless powder was
then eclipsing almost all blackpowder derivatives.
As noted, by the turn of the century, smokeless pow¬
ders were gaining popularity for use as propellants.
This result is easy to understand if we consider the con¬
sequences of blackpowder’s combustion. The byprod¬
ucts include heat, gas and particulates. Blackpowder
produces sufficient heat to suggest impressive ballistic
potential. However, even the most efficient combustion
of the best grade of blackpowder produces more than 50
percent particulates, by weight. This characteristic dra¬
matically limits the energy blackpowder can impart to
a projectile—docile particles cannot effectively acceler¬
ate the bullet but they consume considerable energy in
their own acceleration. Since combustion converts prac¬
tically 100 percent of smokeless powder into gas, a
smokeless powder charge that generates the same total
heat and the same peak pressure will impart about
twice the energy to a projectile.
Before leaving blackpowder and its relatives, we must
mention two others that achieved some measure of impor¬
tance. In 1885, a Hamburg resident named Gans obtained
a patent for an energetic propellant powder that came into
use under the name amidpulver (pulver means powder in
German). His original formulation contained 40 to 45 per¬
cent saltpeter [KN0 3 ] with 35 to 38 percent ammonium
nitrate [NH 4 NO 3 ] and 14 to 22 percent charcoal [C].
Later changes in composition improved amidpulver’s
propellant properties. Chiefly this resulted from a reduc¬
tion in the amount of saltpeter [KNO 3 ] in the mix. The
improved version typically contained 14 percent KNO 3 ,37
percent NH 4 NO 3 and 49 percent charcoal. Testing and use
of similar mixtures containing a small percentage of aro¬
matic nitrogen compounds (generally explosives related to
picric acid or trinitrotoluene) also occurred.
These powders had significant advantages, compared
to blackpowder. When used as a propellant, amidpulver
was said to be flashless. This suggests a comparatively
low temperature of combustion. Low combustion temper¬
ature suggests low barrel erosion and corrosion rates.
Equally important, while amidpulver does produce a
small amount of bluish smoke, that product disappears
very rapidly in the field. The absence of any visible flash
and production of only a limited amount of smoke that
quickly dissipated made it possible for cannoneers to
maintain a clear field of fire and to shoot at night without
compromising their location. Both were, and are, signifi¬
cant considerations.
During WWI, there was extensive use of a similar pro¬
pellant, ammonpulver , composed of 80 to 90 percent
NH4NO3 (ammonium nitrate) with charcoal making up the
remainder of the mix. Ammonpulver has several interest¬
ing characteristics. In an unconfined bum the flame tem¬
perature is only about 900°C. Its ballistic effect is very
similar to a double-base smokeless powder containing
about one-third nitroglycerin (by weight). This represents
a startling amount of energy for a simple physical mixture.
Ammonpulver is also very inexpensive to produce. It is
powerful, flashless and smokeless. It is insensitive to
shock and friction but is more difficult to ignite than
blackpowder. The former two factors are significant posi¬
tive attributes. For application as a propellant powder it
requires a strong igniter charge but, in most applications,
that is not a problem.
When used as a cannon propellant, ammonpulver
granules are typically a single cartridge-fitting perforated
piece. Minor modifications to this basic geometry allow
precise control of bum rate. A more serious drawback is
that ammonpulver is dramatically hygroscopic. Transport
and storage packaging for this powder requires use of her¬
metically sealed containers. Further, ammunition loaded
with this powder has to be absolutely airtight.
Worse, ammonpulver does not tolerate wide swings in
ambient temperature. If the granules contain any signifi¬
cant portion of water, freezing will generate ice crystals
that can disrupt the granules. At only 32.1° C (89.8° F)
ammonium nitrate [NH4NO3] undergoes a state transition.
Heating of ammonpulver beyond this temperature causes
ammonium nitrate to recrystalize from the low-tempera¬
ture rhombohedral form to the high-temperature mono¬
clinic form. This changes the crystalline shape, which
crumbles the powder granule. Firing a cartridge contain¬
ing such a pulverized charge is almost certain to result in
dangerous chamber pressures—a burst gun is very likely.
Since both amidpulver and ammonpulver are simple
physical mixtures of an oxidizer and a fuel, most ballisti-
cians consider these substances as modifications of black¬
powder. Both are simply intimate physical mixtures.
Excepting the newest blackpowder substitutes, these are
the only such substances showing significant potential as
propellant powders.
New blackpowder substitutes include Arco Powder’s
BlackMag 3 (which is a physical mixture composed chiefly of
saltpeter [KNO3] and ascorbic acid [CeHsOeD, Black
Canyon Powder (which is chemically similar to BlackMag 3 )
and Hodgdon’s Pyrodex (the formulation being proprietary).
Smokless Powder
Captain Schultze of the Prussian Artillery produced
what seems to have been the first successful smokeless
powder in 1864. This was long after the 1846 discovery of
nitrocellulose by Christian Friedrich Schonbien, a German
Swiss; it took some time for experimenters to find a way to
420 Cartridges of the World
tame nitrocellulose for use in guns. Captain Schultze’s
product was a bulk smokeless powder and consisted of salt¬
peter-impregnated sawdust. The process was quite sophis¬
ticated. It was, however, worthwhile. It resulted in the
production of a substance that factory ammunition pro¬
ducers and handloaders could substitute on a volume-for-
volume basis with blackpowder. Further, bulk powder was
essentially ballistically interchangeable with blackpowder
on a volume-for-volume basis, hence the name.
Compared to blackpowder, this product had many of
the clean burning advantages of modem smokeless pow¬
ders without any significant handicaps. It and similar act¬
ing products (organic mixtures containing nitrocotton and
related compounds) continued in use for the better part of
a century. Nevertheless, these powders were of limited
value. They could not fulfill the promise of improved bal¬
listics offered by newer, stronger steels. With the advent of
nickel steel, in the 1880s, came the need for a more ener¬
getic and ballistically controllable propellant substance.
Typical bulk powder compositions from Davis’ The
Chemistry of Powder & Explosions are listed below.
A Short History of Propellant Powders
Production of guncotton is quite simple. Take pure
cotton and subject it to the action of concentrated nitric
acid in a controlled environment with the addition of a
small amount of concentrated sulfuric acid. When the
reaction has completed, rinse the resulting solution suf¬
ficiently with clean water to remove the acidity. Bathe
the resulting material in ether-alcohol to form a col¬
loidal suspension. Evaporate the solvent until a stiff jel¬
ly results. Manufacturers can manipulate this product
in various ways to achieve several of the common forms
of modem smokeless powder—flake or tubular. Produc¬
ers manufacture the ball form of smokeless powders
through specific control and agitation of a colloidal sus¬
pension. In any case, formation of the finished product
results in tough plastic granules of carefully controlled
dimensions.
Addition of potassium nitrate to the colloidal guncotton
allows manufacturers to produce porous based powders.
Kneading the mixture evenly distributes minute crystals
of potassium nitrate throughout the colloidal guncotton.
Later in the processing, water is added to the guncotton.
Bulk Smokeless Powder Composition
%
%
%
%
%
Nitrogen in
Potassium
Barium
%
Paraffin
%
Nitrocellulose
Nitrocellulose
Nitrate
Nitrate
Starch
Oil
Diphenylamine
84.0
13.15
7.5
7.5
0
0
1.0
87.0
12.9
6.0
2.0
0
4.0
1.0
89.0
12.9
6.0
3.0
1.0
0
1.0
In 1884 the French physicist, Paul Vielle, invented a
dense colloided poudre B, which stood for poudre blanch —
white; as opposed to poudre N , which stood for poudre
noire —black. The French army and navy immediately
adopted his new product.
The basis of poudre B and all typical smokeless pow¬
ders is nitrocellulose, as represented by guncotton. Pro¬
duction of nitrocellulose begins with the chemical action
of concentrated nitric acid on simple cellulose fibers which
can come from cotton, sodium hydroxide treated wood or
other sources. The addition of concentrated sulfuric acid
(a strongly hygroscopic substance) removes the water pro¬
duced in the altered fibers as a result of nitration. Other¬
wise this acid has no function in the reaction. Various
physical and chemical manipulations during the nitrating
process control the percentages of the various forms of
nitrated cellulose in the finished product. Some cellulose
nitrates are fully soluble in ether-alcohol; others are not.
Modem guncotton contains some admixture of the insolu¬
ble fraction, which acts as a reinforcing fiber in the fin¬
ished product—in the same manner that glass fibers
reinforce epoxy resins in fiberglass.
Composition of various types of nitrated cellulose is
shown below.
This dissolves these crystals into solution. Thorough rins¬
ing then removes the potassium nitrate. The resulting
product is shot full of porosity, hence the porous base ter¬
minology.
We can follow the production of a typical tubular pow¬
der. The action of a hydraulic press expresses the stiff jel¬
ly through a steel plate with many identical perforations.
Typically a central needle extends from behind the plate
(the working side) into each opening. These pins create a
perforation in each extruded tube. Since the product still
contains about 30 percent solvent, this substance is quite
safe to handle. Further drying reduces solvent content of
these strands to about 15 percent. This is necessaiy to pre¬
vent collapse of the central hole during the next operation.
A sophisticated cutting system then chops the strands into
specific lengths. Careful sifting ensures the finished prod¬
uct will contain granules of proper size and dimensional
uniformity.
Further drying of the resulting granules, through
the action of low-humidity warm air, removes essen¬
tially all the solvent. Chemical treatment of these
granules imparts a carefully controlled deterrent coat¬
ing layer into the surface. This alteration occurs in a
water bath. Finally, application of a graphite glaze
Chemistry of Nitrated Cellulose
Name
Comments
Chemical Formula
% Nitrogen
Density
Cellulose Hexanitrate
Chief component of guncotton
(Cl2Hi4N6C>22)x
14.1417
1.66
Cellulose Pentanitrate
(Cl2Hi5N5C>2o)x
12.7502
1.66
Cellulose Tetranitrate
Constituent of collodion
(Cl2Hi6N40l8)x
11.1103
1.66
Cellulose Trinitrate
Constituent of collodion
(Cl2Hi7N30l6)x
9.1491
1.66
8th Edition 421
Chapter 13
produces a finished powder granule. This glazing lim¬
its hygroscopic tendency, improves flow characteristics
of the resulting powder granules and reduces the haz¬
ard of static discharge. All are important improve¬
ments but the latter is paramount. I should also note
that, in some instances, manufacturers manipulate the
amount of graphite glazing to slightly alter product
burn rate. A thicker graphite glaze will slightly retard
initial combustion.
There are several other noteworthy things worth men¬
tion here. The biggest problem with producing smokeless
powder is safety. However, production safety is achievable
for two basic reasons. First, in almost all the stages the
product is comparatively safe to handle. Second, most of
the production stages can be carried out through remote
monitoring and control.
Equally important to one’s understanding of the pro¬
duction of smokeless powder is that the quality of finished
product is in the details. There really is not any magic
here. What separates also-ran smokeless powder from
top-of-the-line material is practically all explained in these
two simple clauses: proper control of production; quality
of raw materials.
Besides the various deterrent coatings referred to, gun¬
cotton jelly typically contains about 1 percent of a thor¬
oughly blended-in stabilizer, such as diphenylamine.
These products work by displacing any residual acid in
the mix. Effectively, they are wetter on guncotton than
acid and thereby prevent the acid from retaining a physi¬
cal contact—if the acid cannot touch the nitrocellulose it
cannot attack it!
Typical deterrent coatings, which are adsorbed into
the surface of the powder granules, include: centralite,
potassium sulfate, dibutyl phthalate, cryolite and oth¬
ers—some of which are proprietary. These chemicals
work by reducing the rate of combustion of the outside
of the powder granules. This reduces the initial rate of
gas generation, providing for a slower buildup of pres¬
sure, which allows the projectile to move further down
the bore before the pressure peaks. This allows sub¬
stantially increased muzzle velocities at any given peak
pressure level.
Smokeless powders often include small percentages of
several other substances. Commonly, manufacturers add
lead stearate or lead oxide, which combine with copper
fouling in the bore and strip it out of the gun. These work
very well. Tin has the same effect but, unfortunately, is
not as efficacious.
Finally, addition of certain salts acts to reduce muzzle
flash, which is an important military and self-defense con¬
sideration. These can significantly reduce the size of the
flame produced as the bullet clears the muzzle and gener¬
ally redden the flame’s color. Both effects significantly
reduce the hazard of a shooter giving away his position
when firing under limited illumination conditions. How¬
ever, such substances invariably increase barrel erosion
and corrosion rates and are otherwise detrimental to the
overall performance of the powder.
Control of the effective bum rate of modem smokeless
powder results from manipulation of deterrent coatings,
size and shape of the granules, porosity and the number
and size of any perforations. As was noted with blackpow-
IMR4895
[ 4895SC (Developmental)
*
m . # . .
♦ *
* *
* m
H4831
H4831SC
j±:--
#r ,
% *
These tubular powders suggest the ongoing research toward per¬
fection of smokeless powder. In many instances, tubular powders
for sporting purposes do not meter consistently. The “Short Cut”
(SC) approach addresses this limitation. Another limitation is sen¬
sitivity to ambient temperature. Hodgdon is addressing this with
their new line of tubular powders, as exemplified by VarGet,
which is very similar in general appearance to 4831 SC but with
smaller granules.
A representative sampling of sporting tubular powders covering a
wide range of burning rates (the fastest here is about ten times
quicker burning than the slowest): Alliant’s 2400, very fine gran¬
ted or thick flake powder, useful in magnum handguns and rela¬
tively small capacity rifle cases; Accurate’s 2015BR, a well
proportioned and finely granuled powder that meters quite uni¬
formly and is useful in relatively small capacity rifle cases; IMR’s
4064, a very-long granuled powder that does not meter particu¬
larly well but is very useful in relatively medium-capacity rifle cas¬
es; Hodgdon’s 50 BMG, a very short-cut large granule powder
that meters consistently and is useful only in relatively very large
capacity cases.
2400
H-50BMC
422 Cartridges of the World
Olin Industries invented Ball powder and has marketed these fine
products under the Winchester banner and through independent
distribution and surplus sales as typified by Hodgdon Powder
Company. Winchester Super-Lite (W-SL) is a porous, flattened
double-base (34 percent) powder with a bulk density of about
0.765. W-231 is similar in form but with less nitroglycerin (22.5
percent) and a bulk density of about 0.70. Winchester MRP is
double-base (13.5 percent) with the typical slightly-flattened
spheres showing a bulk density of about 1.00. H-870 is double¬
base (10 percent) and typically quite spherical with a bulk densi¬
ty of about 0.965.
Porous-base powders are available in a wide variety of burning
rates, chemistry and configurations as represented by these IMR
offerings. Described as a flake type powder, 700X is double-base
(29 percent nitroglycerin) and is among the fastest burning and
least dense of sporting powders, with a bulk density of about
0.50. Also a flake type, single-base PB, while nominally consid¬
erably slower, is still among the fastest and least dense of sport¬
ing powders with bulk density about 0.55. Described as either a
thick flake or a short tube, single-based SR4756 is a slow pistol
powder with bulk density about 0.61. An interesting tubular pow¬
der, single-based SR4759 is among the fastest of rifle powders
with bulk density about 0.675.
A Short History of Propellant Powders
der, multi-perforation tubular powders can achieve signif¬
icant ballistic advantage. Unfortunately, it is not possible
to produce such granulations in powders suited for use in
small arms.
For this reason, the big guns have a massive advan¬
tage. In those applications, use of essentially uncoated
granules of very large size with as many as 37 perfora¬
tions is feasible. These granules provide a very progres¬
sive burning curve—as the bullet moves out of the barrel
the powder bums faster and faster. This allows the use of
very large powder charges to obtain essentially flat pres¬
sure curves for practically the entire time the bullet is in
the barrel. This approach can approximately double the
energy imparted to the bullet, compared to the very best
single-perforation powders.
Ball powders cannot incorporate any perforation. These
powers rely solely on the existence of properly chosen and
applied deterrent coatings to achieve a measure of pro¬
gressive burning—as do almost all tubular powders. One
advantage ball powders have is that they allow a some¬
what increased loading density—they generally pack bet¬
ter and have a higher intrinsic specific density. It is often
possible to use a heavier charge of a slower-burning ball
powder, compared to any tubular powder. Effectively, ball
powders produce the same ballistics in small arms car¬
tridges as tubular powders.
On the other side are the porous based powders. Usu¬
ally designers of porous powders look to achieve two goals:
Compressibility and increased burning rate. Compress¬
ibility is essential for proper shotshell loading. This pro¬
vides for accommodation of various packing schemes in
the powder and shot. This characteristic also allows sub¬
stantial variations in charge and shot volume without
altering the shotshell’s basic casing or shot container.
Increased burning rate accommodates shotshell and pistol
loadings where a small charge of powder pushes on a com¬
paratively light bullet of large diameter. Granulation of
nonporous powders to accommodate these applications
would result in a material with very fine particles, which
would be correspondingly difficult and dangerous to han¬
dle. The porous base approach solves both problems.
Porous powders can have bulk densities as low as about
0.4, compared to about 0.85-1.035 for non-porous powders.
Reduction in bulk density results partly from deliberate
crinkling of the flakes. However, the majority of this effect
results from the inherent porosity. Porous powders also
accommodate novel applications of flash suppressors,
which can coat the cavities. Typically, compression of
porous powders to less than one-half their unconfined vol¬
ume requires little force and will not significantly disrupt
the individual granules.
Double-base powders incorporate nitroglycerin, which
is adsorbed into the colloidal nitrocellulose. Alfred Bern-
hard Nobel (benefactor of the Nobel prize) invented this
process in 1888. Nobel patented his new product under
the name, ballistite. The original formulation included
camphor, which he later omitted with superior results.
It seems almost miraculous that any process can
incorporate nitroglycerin into nitrocellulose with
extreme safety. Nevertheless, this is exactly the situa¬
tion. The normally eruptive nitroglycerin is dissolved in
a compatible solvent. The resulting suspension is
8th Edition 423
Chapter 13
IMR’s interesting SR4759 is a unique offering among the 130-plus
sporting powders available in the U.S. With a large central perfora¬
tion and a porous base, it has a low bulk density, ignites easily and is
quite compressible. It is particularly useful in applications such as
blackpowder cartridges loaded with smokeless to duplicate black-
powder pressure and velocity.
essentially no more dangerous than gasoline in han¬
dling. Physical mixing of this solution into the colloidal
nitrocellulose facilitates adsorption of the nitroglycerin
into the colloidal paste. Thereafter, detonation of the
nitroglycerin requires intense shock, which never
occurs in normal handling or use. However, firing a
high-velocity rifle bullet into a can of double-base pow¬
der is ill advised—it will explode!
Admixtures of nitroglycerin up to about 14.5 percent
are particularly safe to handle. Common powders often
exceed this amount (Bullseye is fully 40 percent) and
require special handling precautions during manufacture.
Nevertheless, manufacture of these products is routine
and with an amazing degree of safety.
There is another process whereby nitroglycerin is
cooked into the formed granules. The manufacturer sug¬
gests that this process can result in a situation where the
maximum concentration of nitroglycerin occurs at some
controlled depth from the granule’s surface. In theory, this
should result in an increase in the rate of energy release
when that maximally impregnated layer bums. If that
layer happens to be at the center of the web (originally
equidistant from all surfaces), a boost in energy release
will occur at the end of the burning curve—a desirable
result.
Nitroglycerin is somewhat more energetic than nitro¬
cellulose but it also increases the bulk density of the
resulting granules. This latter point is somewhat analo¬
gous to mixing ethyl alcohol with water—one part of each
does not yield two parts of 100 proof moonshine. The nitro¬
glycerin takes up the voids in the plastic molecular fabric
of the nitrocellulose without a commensurate increase in
volume. This is the other area where ball powders shine;
they typically incorporate a comparatively large percent¬
age of nitroglycerin.
Finally, we must note that addition of nitroglycerin
also dramatically reduces the tendency of smokeless pow¬
der to absorb moisture from the air. This equally reduces
the moisture content-related variation in burning rate,
which is substantial.
Triple-base powders are less important for small arms
applications. The addition of nitroguanidine provides a
flashless powder and can provide other advantages. How¬
ever, these powders are also more fragile and, therefore,
less tolerant of improper handling. For application to
artillery, pentaerythrite tetranitrate (PETN) is also use¬
ful; it significantly increases the energy yield of smokeless
powder. Nevertheless, for various reasons, triple-base
powders have found no meaningful applications as small
arms propellants.
The last substance we will consider is of great historic
significance—it carried the British through two world
wars. This product was a British invention based upon a
modification of the original ballistite formulation, which
contained camphor. Cordite is an unlikely blend of gun¬
cotton, nitroglycerin and mineral jelly (now known as
petroleum jelly). The original composition was 37 percent
guncotton, an amazing 58 percent nitroglycerin and 5 per-
424 Cartridges of the World
cent mineral jelly. Owing to the extremely high percent¬
age of nitroglycerin, this early formulation caused exces¬
sive barrel erosion. A modified composition was soon
settled on, which worked essentially the same but reduced
erosion substantially. This later material contained 65
percent guncotton, 30 percent nitroglycerin and 5 percent
mineral jelly.
The designers believed that the mineral jelly would
lubricate the barrel. However, since the powder’s combus¬
tion consumed the mineral jelly, it could not function in
this manner. However, mineral jelly does act as a very
effective stabilizer since it takes up any excess acidic
nitrates from the guncotton.
Cordite found wide application in rocketry. It was safe
to cast cordite into simple shapes and machine it into com¬
plex shapes. Military and commercial ammunition load¬
ers controlled cordite’s bum rate through proper choice of
individual cord diameter for each application. In most
applications, producers cut the cords to precisely fit the
powder chamber in the finished cartridge (the length
behind the bullet and in front of the solid case web). For
this reason, cordite was more difficult to charge into bot¬
tleneck cases, compared to modem tubular powders. For a
thorough and concise discussion of cordite and all of its
variations, see page 168 of the 15th Edition of Handload-
er’s Digest (1996).
A Short History of Propellant Powders
In closing, I cannot resist including an early formula for
blackpowder, this translation taken from Mr. Hogg’s
work.
From the Codex Germanicus a formula for powder
(14th century): “If you want to make a good strong pow¬
der take 4# of saltpetre, 1# of sulphur and one pound of
charcoal, one ounce of salpractica and one ounce of sal-
ammoniac and one twelfth part of camphor. Pound it
all together and add spirit of wine and mix it in, and
dry in the sun. Then you will have a very strong powder
of which one pound will do more than three pounds oth¬
erwise. It also keeps well and becomes better with
time.... Where there is no camphor it crumbles and eas¬
ily spoils. But the camphor holds all powder together
and it is also strong and quick in all powder, if one puts
it in.”
Salpractica is a mixture of saltpeter camphor and sal-
ammoniac (Ammonium Chloride) dissolved in spirits of
wine (ethyl alcohol). It was made by scraping off the
deposit formed by evaporating off the resultant liquid. It
was considered to develop power by introducing more air
to the blackpowder.
Reference works cited:
From Clubs To Cannon , by O.F.G. Hogg.
The Chemistry of Powder & Explosives , Tenney L.
Davis
8th Edition 425
Chapter 14
THE CARTRIDGE
CASE—WHY BRASS?
by Bob Forker
DID YOU EVER wonder why most cartridge cases are
made from brass. Why not other materials? Over the
years there have been plenty of alternative materials tried
and several have been successful in specific applications.
All you have to do to find cases made from steel, alu¬
minum, paper, and plastic is to look around a little. I have
even seen a case made from titanium. I wonder if that
titanium case cost more than the gun in which it was
used!
To see what is being done today we can start with the
pistol ammunition made by CCI/Speer and sold under the
Blazer logo. Those cases are aluminum. Shotshells can be
found in paper, plastic and brass. In some European
areas, steel cartridge cases are not uncommon. Still, brass
seems to be the material that sets the standard. Every¬
thing else that is used tends to be judged on whether or
not it is “just as good as brass.”
When considering why things are the way they are, it is
always a good idea to take a look back in history. If we do
not count the prepackaged paper “cartridges” of powder
and a ball that were furnished to troops toward the end of
use of muzzleloaders as military weapons, the first real
cartridge cases were made of nearly pure copper. They
were rimfire case units that were formed out of thin sheet
material. They worked very well and their success demon¬
strated that the breech-loading gun was the way to go.
These first cartridge cases could not be reloaded, at least
not by individuals. The reloadability factor has played a
role in all subsequent cartridge case development.
Let us stop for a moment and consider just what the
cartridge case (in any material) is required to do. For
openers, the case makes a package to hold the primer,
powder and bullet together for convenient insertion into
the gun. Additionally, for what it is worth, the case also
provides a grip (the rim or extractor groove) to get the
fired case or unfired cartridge back out of the chamber.
Perhaps the most important function of a cartridge case is
to provide a seal to keep the gas pressure, generated as
the gun fires, from leaking back into the shooter's face.
There is also the factor of providing some environmental
protection to the powder. Powder changes performance as
it picks up moisture; the metal cartridge case can easily
be sealed to make an “air tight” package. There is also a
small factor of protecting the powder from hotspots in the
gun. (Why do you think cannoneers with the old black-
powder muzzle-loading cannons swabbed the bores with
water between shots?) All in all, the cartridge case does
many good things for us. Developers of “caseless” ammu¬
nition have to account for all these good things, but that is
another story. However, these considerations do explain
why caseless ammunition is still not in common use in
small arms.
But just because the case is required to perform a num¬
ber of functions does not mean that one single material
(brass) is the only suitable choice. Actually, the functions
listed above can be accomplished by a number of materi¬
als. The choice of material usually depends upon other
considerations. Perhaps the most significant of these oth¬
er factors is the working pressure of the gun. Another is
the amount of support the gun provides to the head of the
case. Cost, both for the material and the manufacturing
setup, is certainly a major consideration, perhaps even
more so in military ammunition. From time to time copper
or zinc (the basic material needed to make cartridge brass)
have been in short supply in various parts of the world.
These shortages necessitated development of substitute
case materials. For commercial ammunition, the possibil¬
ity that the cartridge case will be reloaded is clearly an
important factor. Any change in what has become a stan¬
dard material has to account for any change in reloadabil¬
ity it might represent.
The copper rimfire case worked well in the very low
pressure guns that were common in the 1860s. Blackpow-
der was still the only propellant and blackpowder pres¬
sures typically run in the 10,000 to 15,000 psi range, so
case strength was not a major problem. As the cartridge
was fired, the thin copper case would also readily swell up
to seal the breech. But copper is far from the easiest mate¬
rial in the world to form and machine. Manufacturers had
the technology to roll copper into sheets and draw it into
426 Cartridges of the World
The Cartridge Case—Why Brass?
Left to right, a 50 BMG; an experimental 30mm two-piece aluminum case; an
experimental 30mm case with an aluminum head and a plastic forward portion;
a titanium case that was too expensive to even think about.
wire but other operations were difficult and expensive.
Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc (sometimes with lead
and tin added), was in common use at that time and was
much easier to form and machine. As fixed ammunition
developed, the desire to include a centerfire primer and do
additional forming of the case head led to the selection of
brass for many of the newer cartridge case designs.
At the same time the brass cartridge case was starting
its development for use in rifled guns, the shotgun was
also being converted from muzzleloader to breechloader.
Shotgun pressures have not changed since blackpowder
days. Pressures are still right around 11,500 psi, plus or
minus a little. Here, manufacturing cost has driven case
material selection as much as anything. The rolled paper
tube with a thin copper or brass head was the standard
for decades. There have been some all brass shotshells
available over the years but they never accounted for a
significant percentage of production. Perhaps in earlier
days, brass cases were more suitable for reloading but
that is not a factor today. Injection moulded plastic has
become the material of choice for shotshells. The thin met¬
al head covering is still usually included but some all-plas¬
tic shells have been produced that have been satisfactory.
However, the all-plastic casing is a long way from taking
over the market.
Shooters are not very quick to accept radical changes
in something like cartridge case construction. It is an
interesting aside that Federal Cartridge Company still
produces shotshell target loads with paper tube cases.
They actually sell the same basic load in either paper or
plastic cases. The paper tubes are only offered in 12-gauge
size today because the demand has fallen off for other
gauges; still, paper has a loyal following from the clay tar¬
get shooting fraternity. You can find many reasons why
some shooters prefer paper; a few of those reasons may be
more emotional than operational. Regardless, the paper
tube still works just fine. (Editor's Note: Paper tubes can
be made to open with less resistance and that might result
in improved pattern coverage.)
The head end of shotshells comes in a huge variety of
designs. High brass, low brass, high base, low base, all
these designations can be found on shotshells. The manu¬
facturers of high brass shells might like consumers to
believe such shells are stronger or more powerful than
other types. However, since all shotshells manufactured
by members of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Man¬
ufacturers’ Institute, (SAAMI), which includes the bulk of
shotshells fired in this country, have the same maximum
pressure and velocity limits, regardless of external config¬
uration, we can assume most of these variations in exter¬
nal appearance originate in the marketing department.
There may be minor differences in case strength but that
should not be your primary reason to use one brand in
favor of another. There are enough meaningful reasons,
such as pattern density, to select a particular brand. You
do not need to make your selection based on cosmetic dif¬
ferences.
It is wrong to believe that “strength” is an important
factor in cartridge case design. Even the strongest car¬
tridge case materials cannot come close to containing the
pressures developed by the burning of the powder unless
the case is supported by the gun. As the case stretches, it
8th Edition 427
Chapter 14
stretches the chamber and forces the bolt back. As the gun
reacts to this stretching it develops resistance to contin¬
ued stretching. At some level, the gun’s resistance equals
the pressure. Further stretching does not occur. In all
instances the case is supported by the gun. Therefore, the
gun contains the pressure; the cartridge case only seals
the breech end of the chamber to keep the gas from blow¬
ing out the back of the action and into the shooter’s face.
Other than pure strength, what properties does brass
have that make it such a good material for cartridge cas¬
es? First, the brass case develops “enough” strength. But
today the same strength can be provided with either steel
or aluminum. Actually both materials can generate more
tensile strength than brass. Note that in the strongest
standard gun types the typical brass case will withstand
all the pressure that it is prudent to use — a stronger case
would add nothing. As we said above, strength is not all
that important. The ability of brass to stretch a long way
without rupturing is a much more important considera¬
tion in this application. While some plastics have good
elongation characteristics, neither steel nor aluminum
can come close to matching brass in that attribute.
By changing the amounts of the various elements in
any alloy, metallurgists can tailor the material to a specif¬
ic application. The table lists tensile strength, maximum
elongation, and density for several materials with possi¬
ble applications to the cartridge case task.
The two tensile strength values, yield and ultimate,
need some explanation. Ultimate tensile strength is just
what the name implies. It is the stretching load that could
be supported by a 1.128-inch diameter rod (exactly 1
square inch in cross-sectional area). In the United States,
tensile strength values are usually expressed in pounds
per square inch. Yield strength is the same sort of number
except that yield strength reflects the load at which the
tensile specimen begins to permanently stretch a notice¬
able amount. This is called plastic deformation. That cri¬
terion has been standardized at 2 percent permanent
stretch, so a sample that is 4 inches long will be judged as
having reached yield strength when permanent stretch¬
ing reaches 0.080-inch (4 x 0.02). In the real world, yield
strength is a far more important design factor than ulti¬
mate strength because beyond this value the cartridge
case will not spring back to (or near) its original size. It
could jam the gun.
In the fully work-hardened state, the material known
as cartridge brass has an ultimate tensile strength of
about 90,000 psi. That compares to copper’s 20,000 to
(Above) Close-up of the two-piece aluminum case. Note the case
is made from a head and body that are joined by crimping. This
design never made it past the first tentative test firings. Gas
leaks.
(Below) Close-up of an aluminum/plastic composite case. This
design wasn’t a big winner either.
25,000 psi. Even in the condition that it is usually used
in (somewhat annealed), cartridge brass is about twice
as strong as the hardest work-hardened copper. Each
manufacturer of cartridge cases has his own formula for
the brass used and actual composition affects strength.
However, most compositions are about 70 percent copper
and 30 percent zinc; the reported numbers are typical.
Physical Properties for Common Case Materials
Yield
Strength
Ultimate
Strength
Maximum
Density
Material
(psi)
(psi)
Elongation
LbsVcubic inch
Brass
35,000**
50,000**
50
0.308
Alloy Steel
140,000
160,000
15
0.283
Aluminum
70,000
80,000
11
0.100
Titanium
150,000
175,000
15
0.164
Plastic*
10,000
20,000
15
0.050
* Properties vary widely for different plastics.
** Brass case heads are often work-hardened to far exceed these strength
values.
428 Cartridges of the World
(Above) This shows what hap¬
pens when a leak develops in an
aluminum cartridge case at the
65,000 psi level. The crack started
from a scratch made by the
ammunition link. The barrel and
bolt were both ruined.
(Left) This photo of a M788 alu¬
minum cartridge case shows a small
leak that resulted from damage
caused by inserting the bullet. With
the chamber pressure level at only
46,000 psi, the leak didn’t go any¬
where and there was no damage to
the gun. Aluminum cartridge cases
work great at moderate pressure
levels, but they really have their
down side at pressures over about
60,000 psi. Still, the advantages of
the aluminum case (light weight)
outweighed the disadvantages
(occasional gun damage) in the
G AU-8 application.
As mentioned previously, CCI/Speer is producing alu¬
minum cartridge cases for their Blazer ammunition
line. Aluminum has the advantage of being about one-
third the weight of brass. Weight can get to be a huge
consideration, especially in guns with large magazines.
With automatic pistols with 15-round magazines the
shooter can easily feel the difference between a maga¬
zine loaded with aluminum-cased ammunition and one
loaded with brass-cased ammunition. However, alu¬
minum is not nearly as tolerant a material for reform¬
ing and recrimping in the reloading process. CCI/Speer
discourages reloading of Blazer ammunition by using a
Berdan type primer (with two small flash holes instead
of the single hole used with Boxer-type primers in com¬
mon use in this country). Berdan primers are a giant
pain to remove from the case so their use in Blazer
ammunition effectively makes this aluminum case a
“one shot” item.
All these relatively low pressure applications are inter¬
esting. However, it is only when we begin getting into the
world of high-performance centerfire ammunition for
The Cartridge Case—Why Brass?
sporting rifles and military uses that material selection
for cartridge cases becomes a serious matter. Both civilian
arms makers and government arsenals have done exten¬
sive research and development on a whole host of alterna¬
tive case materials. We can review a few of these
variations.
During WWII, because of a copper shortage (real or
perceived), steel cartridge cases for 30-06 Springfield and
45 Automatic ammunition were produced in huge quanti¬
ties. Except for a few corrosion problems these steel cases
worked just fine. These cases were even about 10 percent
lighter than brass cases. Soon after WWII ended, the
Navy was developing a new 20mm round and selected a
steel cartridge case for the production configuration. The
Navy’s MK-100 series ammunition was about Vs-inch
longer than the M-50 series Air Force 20mm round. The
difference is something like that between the 30-06
Springfield and the 308 Winchester.
There is a story that the Secretary of Defense at that
time, Robert MacNamera, was at the USAF base at Da
Nang in Viet Nam when he was told that the Air Force
units there were running out of M-50 20mm ammunition.
He told them to just go across the field and get some
20mm ammunition from the Marines, because they had
plenty. When Mr. MacNamera was informed that USAF
20mm and U.S. Marine 20mm ammunition were not
interchangeable he reportedly went ballistic. Anyway, the
MK-100 series ammunition did use a steel case for a large
portion of the production period.
The first attempts at producing aluminum or steel car¬
tridge cases maintained the same internal configuration
as the original brass cases. Of course external dimensions
had to remain the same if these cases were to fit into exist¬
ing guns. But because of differences in the way these dif¬
ferent materials form, any change in material requires
almost a complete new set of tooling. A commercial
ammunition company that has invested in tooling for
brass cases, and has a whole production line dedicated to
brass cartridge case manufacture, is not going to take the
decision to convert to another material lightly. It is a
major change and could require a whole new production
facility. And, always remember, that the shooting indus¬
try measures progress and innovation on a glacial scale of
speed. I am not sure that is all bad. Many world-beating
ideas have not been practical for genuine field usage. It is
ultimately you, the buyer, who determines the speed of
change.
As far as loading and cartridge performance goes, if the
internal volume of an alternative material case is the
same as the brass case, performance of the ammunition
will be the same. At one time, conventional “wisdom” held
that the cartridge case itself determined the maximum
pressure that could be used for any specific caliber. It was
taken as an article of faith that 30-30 Winchester cases
were far “weaker” than, let us say, a 30-06 Springfield
case; therefore the 30-06 could be loaded to higher pres¬
sures. While there might be a speck of truth in this in
some instances, the important factor in deciding the com¬
mercial pressure limit for any cartridge is the strength of
the weakest guns that are chambered to use that car¬
tridge. (Editor's Note: This is no small consideration; mis¬
understanding of this fundamental truth can lead to
8th Edition 429
Chapter 14
disastrous consequences. Never assume case strength sug¬
gests anything about maximum loading pressures.)
We can take the 45-70 Springfield as an example.
There are still a number of Trapdoor Springfields around
and in use; most are chambered for this cartridge (only
rarely are Trapdoor rifles chambered for the 50-70 Spring-
field encountered). These guns cannot stand much pres¬
sure. Most loading manuals recommend that pressures be
kept under about 16,000 psi in ammunition for these
guns. There is that blackpowder limit again. There are not
enough Trapdoors around and in common use to make
loading this cartridge a profitable large-scale commercial
venture. Conversely, lever-action guns chambered for the
45-70 Springfield are still in fairly common use. Marlin’s
1895 and Winchester’s 1886 are examples of rifles that
can safely take considerably more pressure than the Trap¬
door Springfields. For this reason the SAAMI pressure
limit for the 45-70 Springfield is 28,000 psi (also 28,000
CUP). Much modem ammunition is marked showing that
it is not for use in Trapdoor guns. Even the 28,000 psi
pressure limit creates a very real restriction on the perfor¬
mance of this cartridge. In modem single shot guns, like
the new Shiloh Sharps or the Ruger Nos. 1 & 3, pressures
can be safely pushed into the 40,000 psi class. So you can
see that it is mostly the gun that determines the maxi¬
mum allowable pressure in any given cartridge.
Another example: I have tested 30-30 Winchester
ammunition in remotely fired pressure barrels. We were
in the process of developing proof loads for a very small
gun manufacturer. Proof loads typically generate as much
as 150 percent of the maximum allowable working pres¬
sure for the cartridge, so we had to load to 63,000 psi to
have a valid proof cartridge (42,000 psi x 1.5). In this test¬
ing, we took some of these 30-30 loadings clear up to
80,000 psi (in a remotely fired pressure barrel, not in a
gun in front of our faces) before we began loosening
primers. This result clearly shows that the 30-30 case
itself is not the thing that limits the 30-30’s working pres¬
sure. Again, it is the gun.
When some of the early military chamberings were
first converted from brass cases to steel cases, case volume
remained unchanged. Then some clever cartridge design¬
er realized that the steel alloy used in the new cartridge
cases was so stiff that the sidewalls and the case head
could be made a lot thinner and still properly seal the
chamber. It turns out that the thinned design would do a
better job of expanding and sealing the chamber. This
modification had the dual advantage of making the case a
lot lighter while increasing internal volume so perfor¬
mance could be increased, keeping to the same pressure
limit.
Ultra thinwall cases worked perfectly when single
loaded and fired. However, when these paper-thin wall
steel cases were put into ammunition links, the links
crushed the cases like a toothpaste tube. Back to the
Left is the 30mm M-788 round used for the AH-64 Apache heli¬
copter. This is also an aluminum case. The 50 BMG shows that
this is a much shorter round than the 30mm GAU-8. Compared to
brass, the aluminum case made a huge difference in the number
of rounds that could be carried on a mission.
Cartridges (left to right) are 50 BMG which uses a brass case and
is included here for scale; the 20mm M-50 series USAF ammo
which uses a brass case; the 20mm MK-100 series Navy ammo
(for aircraft use) which uses a steel case; and the 20mm Hispano
(Oerlikon) HS-820 which uses a steel case and was used by the
U.S. Army in some small armored personnel carriers.
430 Cartridges of the World
The Cartridge Case—Why Brass?
drawing board. A “welterweight” cartridge resulted that
turned out of be a good compromise between light weight
and handling strength. This is an excellent example that
demonstrates that safe firing loads are not the only design
considerations.
There have been numerous attempts to produce a plas¬
tic case, either one piece or of composite construction, for
rifle and small cannon calibers. So far these attempts
have not been highly successful, but the developers are
still trying.
Aluminum is in use as a high pressure case material. I
have personally tested aluminum cases in 20mm, 25mm
and two sizes of 30mm. Both 30mm rounds went into pro¬
duction with aluminum cases. The first of these was for the
30mm GAU-8 gun used on the A-10 Wart Hog airplane.
This is a large bottlenecked case that holds about one-third
of a pound of propellant and develops a working pressure
exceeding 60,000 psi. The use of aluminum at these pres¬
sures can turn the evil genie loose. If you get any minor
case failure, even a primer leak, the hot propellant gasses
cut through the aluminum like water breaking a dam.
That would be bad enough but that is only the beginning of
the problems. The gas and the molten, or vaporized, alu¬
minum combine in some form of nasty (thermite type)
chemical reaction to produce an instant cutting torch. One
leaky shot and you have deep canyons washed into the bolt
face, or cutting the side right out of the chamber. It took a
whole lot of work to get the aluminum case developed for
that round. There was a real incentive because in that air¬
plane the change from brass to aluminum cartridge cases
saved nearly one ton of weight at take-off.
The ammunition for the AH-64 Apache helicopter is
also a 30mm. But this ammunition is an entirely differ¬
ent 30mm, compared to the GAU-8. This is a relatively
mildly loaded straight-walled case that is identical in per¬
formance to the British ADEN and the French DEFA
ammunition. The U.S. design for this M-788 series
ammunition was required to be NATO interoperable with
ADEN and DEFA. Here again, because the AH-64’s mag¬
azine can hold so many rounds, weight got to be a very,
very important factor and aluminum was selected as the
only production material for these U.S. cartridge cases.
This job was somewhat easier than the GAU-8 case
design because the working pressure was only about
46,000 psi. The difference between the 60,000 psi level
and the 46,000 psi level is the difference between having
the cutting torch reaction and not having any such prob¬
lem. The M-788 aluminum cartridge case development
went relatively smoothly. There has never been any M-
788 series production ammunition with a cartridge case
of any other material.
All of these military cartridge case applications share
one very important point. Military ammunition is not
designed to be reloaded. Imagine a combat infantryman
stopping to pick up his fired cases. In some aircraft appli¬
cations (but not all) the empty cases go overboard. Those
get really hard for the pilot to recover. In all the calibers
larger than sporting rifles, the case becomes a smaller and
smaller part of the overall cost of firing the gun. Ammuni¬
tion for operational use often has projectiles that account
for more than 50 percent of the cost of each round. By the
time you reprocess such a case you have spent as much as
Left, early prototype of the 30mm GAU-8 round for the A-10 air¬
craft. This is an aluminum cartridge case. Later versions of the
GAU-8 round used plastic rotating bands. A 50-caliber BMG car¬
tridge (middle) is used for scale. On the right is an experimental
30mm for the GAU-8 program. This round also used an alu¬
minum case. Note the plastic rotating band on this projectile.
buying a new one. There is another fly in the reloading
ointment. Steel and aluminum cases do not resize and
reform as completely as brass cases so it is hard to get con¬
sistent and adequate neck tension or a reliable crimp with
a reused case made of either of these materials.
It is the current practice to nickel-plate brass cases for
premium ammunition. The claim is made that these cases
are less subject to corrosion and extract more easily, com¬
pared to plain brass cases. There may be a lot to both of
those claims but I suspect that, more than anything else,
manufacturers just want everybody to be able to see at a
glance when someone is using their premium stuff. There
may be more than a little bit of marketing spin riding pig¬
gyback on a couple of small, but real, improvement fac¬
tors. I am not knocking premium ammunition, just the
opposite. At the cost of a hunt today, it does not make a
whole lot of sense to use ammunition other than the best
you can find or make.
With all the work that has been done with alternative
case materials, it is remarkable that after 125 years of
development of the effective self-contained cartridge, the
brass case is still the one to beat.
8th Edition 431
Chapter 15
THE FUTURE OF HIGH VELOCITY
by Ralph Lermayer
THE WORD SABOT (pronounced say-bow), originates
from the French language and loosely translates to shoe
or boot. The word sabotage is a throwback to the days
when disgruntled workers would toss their wooden shoes
into the boss’s machinery to stop the works. The use of
cups or buffers between a gun’s bore and a projectile is not
a modem phenomenon. Early cannoneers launched
reduced diameter projectiles using wooden buffers (sabots)
to extend a cannon’s range. Throughout the age of black-
powder and muzzle-loading, the occasional application of
sabots in rifles was not uncommon.
Early sabots were painstakingly handcrafted, usually
made of wood or leather, and were hardly an economic
option for mass production. I should also note that the
patches used in the classic patched-round-ball muzzle¬
loading system provided some of the benefits of the
sabot—separation of the bore and the projectile.
So, we see that the idea of a buffering device, which
allows the use of a sub-caliber projectile, is not a new one.
All such devices have the following in common: They sep¬
arate the bullet from the bore and the propellant gasses,
protect the bore from metallic fouling (caused by the bul¬
let) and protect the bullet from direct bore damage—all
worthwhile advantages. A further advantage is that the
sabot allows use of smaller diameter and lighter projec¬
tiles—very worthwhile. However, effective commercial
sabot application awaited the age of plastic polymers.
We know that the military is extensively researching
development of sabot-housed, flechette projectile loads,
which can be launched at extremely high velocities.
Flechettes are dart-like projectiles designed for aerody¬
namic stability. Reports of six- to seven-thousand fps
muzzle velocity from both hand-held and artillery guns
using exotic projectile loads continue to trickle in, but
researching or validating these rumors is next to impos¬
sible. While these exotic applications are no doubt of
interest, it is the utilization of sabot technology for today’s
sporting shooters that is our concern here. The changes
sabots will bring could soon alter the ballistic world as we
know it.
Many shooters associate the sabot only with increased
muzzle velocities in highly specialized cartridges, such as
military artillery loadings. To a degree, that is an accurate
perception. However, what is currently emerging as a
viable sabot application is “upgunning” existing car¬
tridges—increasing velocity to levels previously unattain¬
able. This is accomplished by using a lightweight
sub-caliber bullet. Remington’s 30-06 Accelerator loading
is a prime example of this concept: This loading launches
a 55-grain 0.224-inch bullet at over 4000 fps at the muz¬
zle. Many 220 Swift loads and even a few 22-250 loads
reach 4000 fps, but this velocity was never before accu¬
rately achieved using the 30-06 case and rifle.
The first significant commercial application of saboted
bullets was an offshoot of a request from the law enforce¬
ment community. They called for a lead slug, fired from a
12-gauge shotgun, capable of stopping a moving automo¬
bile. The “Blockbuster” was soon marketed to hunters by a
firm called B.R.I. (Ballistics Research Industries). Suc¬
cessful 12-gauge slug loadings suitable for deer hunting
soon emerged. Because of the comparatively low pressures
and temperatures encountered in a shotgun’s breech,
polymers for those applications did not have to be particu¬
larly high-tech to get the job done. Today, Winchester,
Federal, and others market saboted shotgun loads. These
launch a 0.50-inch diameter, 437.5-grain (1 ounce), lead or
solid copper slug at 1450 fps from a 12-gauge bore that
measures 0.73-inch. This slug generates 2040 foot pounds
of energy at the muzzle. It is the polymer sabot that takes
up the slack between the sub-caliber, V 2 -inch projectile
and the much larger (almost 3 / 4 -inch) bore. This powerful
slug loading is the backup medicine found in the hands of
many of Alaska’s grizzly bear hunting guides.
The early 1960s saw developing interest in application
of sabots to centerfire sporting cartridges. Mr. David S.
Reed applied for a patent in November of 1962, which was
finally granted in January of 1965. That patent describes
a polymer sabot very similar to the one used in the Rem¬
ington Accelerator load. At that time, Remington was a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Dupont. Perhaps Mr. Reed
432 Cartridges of the World
The Future of High Velocity
Left to right: Factory 45 Colt load; experimental saboted load; blue MMP 45/38 caliber sabot;
Speer 158-grain 0.358" JHP; and base of sabot. MMP color codes all of their sabots to avoid
confusion. The blue unit is specifically designed for shooting 0.358" bullets in 45-caliber muz-
zleloaders ((0.450"-0.451") but can be used for certain cartridge applications.
was employed somewhere within the Dupont corporation
because this patent is assigned to Remington.
Engineers at Remington tell me that it was under
Dupont’s direction and instruction that they undertook
the Accelerator project. In any event, it was not until
1978, almost thirteen years after the initial patent was
granted, that the project was completed. The project goal:
Using a 30-caliber case (the 30-06 Springfield), develop a
cartridge that would propel a 55-grain, 0.224-inch bullet
at higher than standard 22-250 Remington velocities
(3700 fps). That round had to reach 4000 fps, from a 24-
inch barrel, stay within SAAMI pressure specifications,
and maintain Remington’s (then current) 22-250 accuracy
standard—3.7-inch groups at 200 yards.
This task turned out to involve much more than just
the seating of a 22-caliber bullet in the Dupont polymer
sabot over a conventional powder charge. By the time the
research was completed, Remington had redeveloped
every component involved in the load, excepting the case.
First, it was discovered that no existing powder would
accomplish the required task. Remington asked Dupont’s
IMR Powder Division to develop an entirely new propel¬
lant, specifically suited to the saboted load. (Remington
still keeps the specifications of that powder close to the
vest; it has never been available to handloaders as a can¬
ister-grade propellant.)
Likely, Remington encountered propellant difficulties
for several reasons. The loading they had developed
required a powder with a bum rate similar to typical pis¬
tol and shotgun powders, but with a density similar to typ¬
ical rifle powders, and the proper charge had to entirely
and almost exactly fill the usable case capacity! While
powders with approximately the correct burning rate were
available, those were all low-density formulations. No
available propellant combined the correct burning rate
with a relatively high density.
Pulling a 30-06 Accelerator apart reveals a full case of a
comparatively fine granuled tubular powder resembling a
miniature version of IMR-4320. The charge, which just
fills the usable case capacity, weighs 56 grains. In bulk
density, this powder is very similar to IMR-4320.
Properly igniting this powder in the saboted cartridge
was also beyond the capabilities of existing components.
It was discovered that the pellet charge in the existing
large rifle primer had to be reduced from the standard
0.55-grain to 0.45-grain (18 percent). Why reduce the
primer pellet charge? With the low coefficient of friction
between the sabot and the bore, the hotter standard
primer probably started the bullet moving before the pow¬
der ignited. Such an eventuality would result in a loss of
consistency, which would result in poor accuracy. This
new primer maintained the requisite accuracy standard
and afforded reliable ignition.
I have not been comfortable with this, or any other,
internal ballistics theory. However, I have encountered
similar problems with small caliber bullets and fast burn¬
ing powders in other calibers. Most 22 Hornet loads show
a marked improvement in accuracy, as well as an
improvement in ballistic uniformity, when lower-powered
pistol primers are substituted for the standard rifle
primers, which is most often called for in 22 Hornet load¬
ing data. Whatever quirk of ballistic balance causes this
phenomenon, it is obviously greatly amplified with the 30-
06 case firing a 0.224-inch bullet in a low-friction sabot. In
any case, Remington settled on a new primer with the
0.45-grain charge (not available to handloaders) and went
on to the next design hurdle—the bullet.
The lead core of Remington’s standard 22-caliber jack-
8th Edition 433
Chapter 15
Ifemington*
#1
*ST j
30-30 Win. Accelerator™
l . | 55 GRAIN SOFT POINT
R3030A
Bgmington
30-06 Sprg. Accelerator™
R30069
56 GRAIN POINTED SOFT POINT
In 1978 Remington offered the first commer¬
cial sabot loading, the 30-06 Springfield
Accelerator. Factory ballistics are impres¬
sive: 55-grain 0.224" bullet at 4080 fps.
More recently Remington has added similar
30-30 Winchester and 308 Winchester load¬
ings, though at somewhat lower velocities.
Also shown here is the saboted bullet.
V
eted bullet was then made from a lead alloy containing
about 0.75 percent antimony, which provides hardness.
While the existing bullet jackets held up acceptably in the
sabot loading, Remington’s ballisticians discovered that
to maintain the required accuracy standard they had to
substantially increase bullet core hardness. Remington
settled on a 2.5 percent antimony alloy. For lead alloy
used in jacketed bullets, that is a comparatively hard
composition. As with the rest of the Accelerator compo¬
nents, these special bullets are not marketed to the hand¬
loading community.
Why the need for harder bullet cores? Remington dis¬
covered that once the sabot loading bullet was no longer
contained by the rifle’s bore, the centrifugal force of rota¬
tion (imparted by the rifling) at such a high velocity
caused the bullet to disintegrate before reaching the tar¬
get. Additionally, the pressure the sabot applied to the
bullet’s bearing surface as the unit traveled through the
bore was evidently violating the integrity of the core-to-
jacket bond. In response to acceleration and rifling forces,
the sabot squeezed the bullet so hard that the bullet was
swaged smaller as it passed through the bore. When the
sabot came free of the bore and relaxed its grip on the bul¬
let, the bullet’s jacket sprang back more than the core. The
bullet lost balance and stability. All of Remington’s high
velocity 22-caliber bullets now use this harder core alloy.
With this step, the accelerator project was finally com¬
pleted. Today shooters have a choice of three saboted
Accelerator loads—30-06, 308, and 30-30—all using com¬
ponents developed exclusively for these loadings.
The goal of this entire endeavor was to provide ammu¬
nition that would adlow owners of 30-06 chambered rifles
to use those guns beyond deer season, specifically for
varmint hunting. However, Accelerator sales have always
been lackluster, likely for several reasons. First, most ded¬
icated varmint hunters are also handloaders. Second,
many varmint hunters have a smaller caliber rifle intend¬
ed exclusively for varminting. Finally and importantly,
typical Accelerator accuracy in hunting rifles just did not
Military 50 BMG loadings have long included ultra-velocity armor
piercing saboted versions. Here a typical 50 BMG bullet stands
beside a 50 BMG case whimsically loaded with a 0.458" pistol
bullet in a sabot. Such a combination would be truly impractical
but this photograph does suggest the versatility of sabots.
434 Cartridges of the World
satisfy varmint shooters. In spite of this lack of sales suc¬
cess, much valuable information was gathered in the
Accelerator project.
Has this research continued? Yes, experiments by
Remington with their 30/22 sabot and bullet combination
fired from a 300 Winchester Magnum easily generated
muzzle velocities exceeding 4500 fps. However, not one of
those high-velocity bullets made it to the target during the
firing of hundreds in test shots. Even with the harder
alloy core material, all bullets disintegrated en route. Evi¬
dently 4500 fps is just too fast for a conventional lead-alloy
cored bullet.
How long will it be before someone takes a sabot made
from one of today's improved polymers, inserts a homoge¬
neous copper bullet like the Bames-X, and makes their
300 Winchester Magnum into the ultimate varminter?
Considering what has already been learned as a result of
these 30-06 Accelerator experiments, can the 338 Win¬
chester Magnum case be coaxed into safely launching a
100-grain, Bames-X type 6mm bullet at 4250 fps? I sus¬
pect such applications are just around the comer. Likely,
marketing departments of the firearms industry will
demand this approach, as the constant introduction of
niche filling calibers will cease to excite customers and
create sufficient new sales. Is the market ready? Without
question. Sabot sales to the muzzle-loading community in
1995 exceeded 10 million units, all finding their way into
the hands of average shooters.
Oddly, while sabots are a mystery in much of the cen-
terfire shooting world, these devices are now widely used
and understood by perhaps more than one million muz-
zleloader shooters. Sabots have become the accepted
standard for the majority of new entrants to the fast
growing muzzle-loading world. In the early 1980s, Mr.
Del Ramsey, an extremely savvy shooter and true muz-
Left to right: black MMP, white MMP and purple
MMP sabots. Black sabot is designed to house a
45-caliber bullet for shooting from a 50-caliber bore.
White sabot is designed to house a 45-caliber bullet
for shooting from a 54-caliber bore. Purple sabot is
designed to house a 50-caliber bullet for shooting
from a 54-caliber bore. Note the thickness of these
petals; these sabots are designed to allow use of
slightly reduced diameter bullets. However, sabots
can allow use of dramatically reduced diameter bul¬
let in any given bore. For example, military loadings
include both 50/30 caliber sabots and flechette
offerings; where the projectile is much less than 10
percent of bore size.
The Future of High Velocity
zle-loading enthusiast, took up the long-dormant chal¬
lenge of improving the muzzleloader bullet. Until then,
choices were essentially limited to a patched, pure lead
round ball (a ballistic misfit that sheds velocity quickly
and loses effectiveness at ranges much beyond 75 yards)
or the pure lead conical bullet.
Pure lead is necessary for loading conventional muzzle-
loaders. Harder alloys do not work. If sized to fit the
rifling, such a bullet is too difficult to force down the barrel
by any feasible means. Conversely, if such bullets are
sized small enough to allow easy loading, they will not
dependably obturate (in response to the powder's blast) to
properly seal the bore and engage the rifling. So essential¬
ly pure lead it is. However, pure lead conical bullets have
a significant built-in performance limitation. This is simi¬
lar to the problem encountered by shooters who use cast
alloy bullets in centerfire firearms loadings—bore leading
occurs at higher velocities.
A typical 50-caliber conical lead bullet of 480 grains,
has a reasonably high ballistic coefficient. However, when
blackpowder charges are increased to launch these bul¬
lets fast enough to take advantage of the high ballistic
coefficient, the bases will not stand the pressure and heat
of combustion. Severe bore leading results. This makes
loading the next bullet down the bore difficult, if not
impossible, and it destroys accuracy. To avoid barrel lead¬
ing problems, velocities for conventional muzzleloader
conical bullets had to be held to about 1200 fps, maxi¬
mum. Conical bullets are also comparatively heavy and
generate substantial recoil energy when fired from typi¬
cal hunting rifles.
Mr. Ramsey owns and operates one of the largest injec¬
tion moulding shops in the U.S. His company makes many
of the dashboard components found in one make of domes¬
tic cars and trucks. Mr. Ramsey reasoned that if he could
This line-up shows various combinations of
sabots and bullets, left to right: MMP 50-caliber
sabot with 435-grain, 45-caliber Shooting Star
bullet; special hard polymer 50-caliber sabot
with 400-grain, 45-caliber hard cast Harvester
bullet; MMP 50-caliber sabot with 300-grain, 45-
caliber Homady XTP bullet; Thompson/ Center
two-piece 50-caliber “Breakaway” sabot (note
fibrous wad on bottom) with 300-grain, 44-cal-
iber Homady XTP bullet; MMP 45-caliber sabot
with 158-grain, 38-caliber Speer JHP bullet;
Remington 30-caliber Accelerator sabot with 55-
grain, 22-caliber Accelerator bullet.
8th Edition 435
Chapter 15
Remington 30-06 Accelerator. Left to right: sabot; specially constructed 55-grain, 0.224" bullet in sabot; case head showing spe¬
cial primer; special powder from sabot loading; second saboted bullet. Only the case is stock; all other components were specially
designed for the Accelerator project.
use the injection moulding capabilities available to him to
create a sabot that would allow him to shoot lighter, jack¬
eted, handgun bullets in his muzzleloader, he would gain
the benefits of controlled expansion, reduced recoil, and
extended range, due to the higher velocities that such load¬
ings could safely achieve. Mr. Ramsey was successful. His
new company, MMP, Inc. (Magnum Muzzleloading Prod¬
ucts, Incorporated) now markets about 10 million polymer
sabots annually. Today MMP provides sabots for Lyman,
Knight, Homady, Barnes and a host of other distributors
throughout the muzzle-loading community. These units
are available in various sizes. Options include using 0.358-
inch bullets in a 45-caliber gun and using either 0.430-inch
or 0.452-inch bullets in 50-, 54- or 58- caliber guns. Each
sabot type is color coded to avoid confusion.
MMP now has many polymers at their disposal. Mr.
Ramsey reports amazement at the quality of high density
polymers readily available today, compared to what was
available when he began this work in the early 1980s. For
their current line of sabots MMP chooses to use a softer,
more malleable formula appropriate to the comparatively
low pressures used in muzzle-loading rifles. However,
polymers appropriate to higher pressure loadings are
readily available.
Will these devices move into the centerfire world? Pure¬
ly in the interest of satisfying my curiosity, I ran a few
experiments. These results are only cited for reference
and illustration. Do not attempt to duplicate these tests.
Handguns, especially revolvers, are not suitable for
saboted loads. Trying to move a flexible sabot under high
pressure, past a barrel cylinder gap and into the barrel’s
forcing cone is inviting disaster. Ordinarily, the 45 Colt
would not have served as a likely prospect for this
research. However, I had a unique specially chambered,
16-inch, single shot rifle barrel on hand. This barrel is
chambered to accept both 45 Colt and 3-inch 410 shot-
shells. To accommodate the longer shotshells the chamber
was bored extra deep. The barrel has almost 2 inches of
freebore when a 45 Colt load is chambered. That freebore
facilitates long loading with a sabot in this revolver case.
MMP muzzleloader sabots are slotted two-thirds of the
length down the sides. In the bore, these petals are held
closed, and grip the bullet quite firmly. Bullet and sabot
travel through the bore as one unit, with a rate of spin
determined by the rifling twist; friction between sabot and
bullet is sufficient to transfer rotation to the bullet. Upon
leaving the bore, centrifugal force causes these slotted por¬
tions of the sabot to flare out like petals on a flower. Air
pressure on these expanded petals slows the sabot. This
forces it to separate from the bullet, which continues down
range. Sabots are typically found about fifteen feet from
the gun’s muzzle—they do not travel far since they are so
light and have such a poor ballistic shape. After separat¬
ing from the sabot, the bullet maintains the rate of spin
dictated by the rifling. The bottom third of MMFs sabots
are solid polymer with a concave, cupped base which faces
the powder charge. When the charge is fired, propellant
gas pressure expands this cupped base (obturates) and
seals the bore. My first concern was that these bases,
designed for blackpowder use, might not hold up under
the temperature and pressure generated by heavy smoke¬
less powder loads.
Using a readily available (blue) sabot, designed to
accommodate 0.358-inch bullets in a 45-caliber muzzle-
loader, I began my experiment by placing a premium
quality 158-grain JHP in the sabot. I seated this assembly
in an empty case deep enough to allow a firm crimp to grip
the sabot’s sides. I then marked the case, and noted how
much powder capacity was left. A 15-grain charge of2400
completely filled the limited space. Velocity with that load
was dismal. I then tested a faster burning powder. I began
at the one-half case-full level and carefully increased the
436 Cartridges of the World
charge in small increments. The final test load was a
slightly compressed charge. Pressures remained safe for
use in that rifle barrel. There was no sign of primer flat¬
tening or case head expansion. With this experimental
load I was shooting a 158-grain bullet from a 16-inch rifle
barrel using a 45 Colt case. This experimental load
achieved a surprising 2275 fps muzzle velocity. Even more
surprising, the load was comparatively accurate.
For comparison, note that this bullet cannot be driven
from a carbine designed for the 357 Magnum at anywhere
near this velocity without the load exceeding established
maximum pressure limits. What does this prove? With a
properly designed sabot and components selected for the
task, existing high pressure cartridges can shoot sub-cal¬
iber bullets at much higher velocities.
But what about using sabots in higher capacity big bore
cartridges? Such loads are quite feasible. I will intention¬
ally forego discussing any details here, however, I will
note that with similar components loaded in a 45-70 case
The Future of High Velocity
I was able to safely launch a 158-grain JHP handgun bul¬
let at 3200 fps. This experimental load was fired in a
strong, modem single shot rifle and would definitely not
be safe in a blackpowder era rifle.
After just a little load tinkering, I was able to achieve 3-
inch groups at 100 yards with that combination. I am
amazed that these bullets, which are designed for hand¬
gun velocities, would hold together to reach the 100-yard
target. I would never recommend using such a load on
game, but consider the possibilities using 200-grain bul¬
lets designed for use in the 358 Norma Magnum or 350
Remington Magnum?
Is sabot technology going to introduce the next level of
centerfire performance? Will sabots soon take us beyond
the 4000 feet-per-second era? Will we soon be able to stare
in awe as numbers exceeding 5000 fps blink at us from
our chronograph’s readout? This writer predicts the next
decade will herald the age of the sabot. But we will just
have to wait and see.
Saboted shotgun loadings are becoming quite common. Left to right: cut-a-way view of load; saboted slug in one half of two-piece
sabot; second half of sabot; and front-view showing special roll crimp on sabot loading.
8th Edition 437
Chapter 16
REVOLUTIONARY
BULLET DESIGNS
by M.L. McPherson
WE WOULD be hard pressed even to speculate who it
was that first considered placing a projectile in a closed
tube and used a propellant to expel it. And when such a
device was first used as a weapon, we cannot even guess.
The idea seems to have come to several individuals at
about the same time. However, we can follow, in broadest
detail the progression of the development of the ballistic
projectile as wood gave way to stone, then iron and lead
castings. In modem times we have seen a continued pro¬
gression until today we have several families of exotic bul¬
lets, each type designed to suit a particular job.
For the purpose of this article, I will define a “bullet” as
follows: Any object projected from a tube, which is closed
at one end, by generation of gas pressure in the closed end
of that tube (behind the bullet). Since this definition
includes such objects as potatoes, it is, perhaps, a some¬
what broader definition than is generally applied. Howev¬
er, we will disregard less important materials; focusing
rather on those of military, sporting and target signifi¬
cance. Further, we will arbitrarily restrict our discussion
to single projectile types. While shotguns and their
antecedents have always been very important, we will not
consider that genre here. Finally, we will necessarily
restrict our investigation of modem military projectiles to
what is nothing more than a cursory examination.
Long before anyone considered the possibility of using
propellant powders to project objects from closed tubes as
weapons, similar devices were used for pyrotechnic
effect. Unfortunately, owing to the vagaries of historical
documentation and the deliberate military secrecy
imposed upon gun-related subjects throughout history,
we cannot know for certain what the first bullet was
made of, what it was launched from, what the propellant
material was, what it was fired at, the result of that
launching, or even when that event occurred. However,
considering the era of the invention of blackpowder, the
oldest effective propellant known, we would expect that a
modification of the simple wooden arrow would have
been the first “bullet” ever used. It seems almost certain
that the first projectiles fired from closed tubes in anger
were constructed of wood.
The limitations of such a “bullet” are obvious. The first
that comes to mind is limited strength against the forces of
acceleration; there are others. No doubt, within a short time
after the invention of the firing tube, materials other than
wood were tried. A partial listing of those materials would
have to include the following: Hardened clay balls, natural
and modified stones, stones saboted with wood, and various
metallic castings. Metallic castings were chiefly lead and
iron and their alloys; copper and its alloys were historically
entirely too valuable for use in this application, those mate¬
rials finding essential uses elsewhere—among them sever¬
al military applications such as gun barrels. The simple
iron ball was among the most successful of early bullet
designs. The advantages these offered included ease of
proper fit to a given bore, and relative speed, ease and econ¬
omy of manufacture. Simple casting techniques sufficed to
produce high-quality cannon balls.
While iron balls were effective against fortifications
(among other things), in the early days of cannoneering
these projectiles had two significant disadvantages. First,
manufacture required sophistication in equipment and
skills, a process which was also expensive and time-con¬
suming. Second was a logistical problem of significant
importance: An enemy that was also equipped with a
properly-sized cannon could potentially recover the spent
iron ball and reuse it—no small consideration in a siege¬
like confrontation.
Finally, and most importantly, iron was too heavy. Ear¬
ly cannon barrels were simply not strong enough to with¬
stand the force of blackpowder’s combustion when that
force was contained behind an iron sphere.
In many regards, lead and lead alloy projectiles were
even worse! While lead was much easier, faster and less
expensive to manufacture, it was much heavier than iron
(about 45 percent). Moreover, lead is much easier to
refashion for reuse. For these reasons, lead was simply out
of the question for early cannon fodder. Therefore, until
the advent of effective shoulder weapons, lead saw little
use in single-bullet loadings.
For these reasons, fitted stones (which are only about
one-fourth the weight of iron) were the material of choice
for many centuries; especially in the larger cannons used
in siege and counter-siege. In most areas stones were
plentiful. Craftsmen who were used to working with
stone for construction purposes had the skills and tools
needed to modify common rocks to “fit” any given can¬
non’s bore. Significantly, the rocks thus produced were
438 Cartridges of the World
likely to shatter on impact—a shattered rock was of lim¬
ited value to an enemy. Even if the stone did not shatter,
it was a common object, and giving one to the enemy rep¬
resented a small sacrifice compared to the potential
damage that “gift” could inflict. Finally, and most impor¬
tantly, stone was light enough to allow generation of
significant projectile energy without producing gun-
destroying pressures.
On the down side, stone was not particularly effective
against heavy fortification; owing to limited mass, stone
projectiles simply lacked sufficient penetration potential.
Nevertheless, for large cannons, use of iron had to await
the advent of sufficiently strong barrels.
The Siege of Seville, 1247 ad, appears to have been the
first instance of cannon use in battle. (Certainly it is the
first recorded instance this author could find.) In that bat¬
tle, defenders of Seville used cannons firing stones against
the enemy. Another recorded instance occurred in 1346 ad.
At the Battle of Crecy, small artillery pieces were used by
both sides. Almost certainly the projectiles were made of
stone.
It is interesting to speculate about the invention of the
sabot. Sabot is a French term, pronounced say-boe , which
means wooden shoe. This is also the basis for our (evi¬
dently mispronounced) word, sabotage, which derived
from the practice of tossing worn-out wooden shoes in the
machinery in an effort to disrupt production.
The sabot addressed several of the difficulties and
limitations associated with use of stone projectiles. First,
use of a barrel-fitting wooden carrier for the stone
improved ballistics, compared to the poor barrel seal
afforded by a crudely fitted stone. Second, compared to
stone, wood is considerably easier to shape. It was much
faster and easier to whittle a piece of wood to fit the gun,
then hollow it out to accept a crudely shaped stone. This
certainly reduced the work required to achieve a good fit
in the barrel. Further, if combined with use of a reduced
diameter stone, it helped alleviate pressure problems
while allowing potentially higher velocities, which equat¬
ed to greater projectile range. That latter fact is why the
sabot is once again on the cutting edge of ballistic tech¬
nology. A subject we will return to.
As noted, in that era, the prime limitation of the gun
was strength of the firing tube. The earliest firing tubes
Revolutionary Bullet Designs
The basic round ball exemplifies the earliest objects fired from
guns. Except for wooden dart-like projectiles, which were almost
certainly adapted from the crossbow quarrel and were among the
earliest of projectiles, the spherical projectile was practically ubiq¬
uitous for many centuries after the invention of the gun. In an
unrifled bore this is the most accurate, non-dart design.
were fashioned of wood. Owing to wood’s very limited ten¬
sile strength, these proved to have been rather weak. In
an effort to strengthen this basic device, experimenters
tried all manner of reinforcement.
At first various types of rope, leather and sinew were
bound tightly around the tube. Later that practice gave
way to iron banding—based upon the existing technology
used in water barrel manufacture. Eventually the tech¬
nology for casting barrels (first copper alloys and then iron
alloys) was perfected. This advance allowed use of heavier
projectiles and more powerful propellant charges.
However, these early cannons were by no means safe.
It should be noted that throughout history and until quite
recently cannoneers were more often than not capitol pris¬
oners that were chained to the cannon: Unless “their side”
was victorious in the battle, those men were apt to die at
the hands of the “other side.” (It seems as though it might
be difficult to assign a favored side for a person in such a
predicament.) Nevertheless, since early cannon barrels
had an unknown but rather limited life cycle, the biggest
threat to a typical cannoneer was barrel failure!
Regardless of strength and design limitations of the
gun, projectile development was brisk. To place this in
perspective, consider this historical note: Only a few cen¬
turies after the invention of the simplest gun, Leonardo da
Vinci had designed a workable iron cannon ball of consid¬
erable sophistication. After traveling a timed distance into
its ballistic flight that ball would explode; pieces generat¬
ed from that explosion would scatter a short distance
before exploding; finally, pieces from those secondary
explosions would travel a short distance before exploding
and creating tertiary shrapnel. Now that is sophistication!
Despite the potential, none of the earliest metallic pro¬
jectiles were particularly successful. Production was sim¬
ply too costly.
By the 14th century, with the development of effective
small arms, lead bullets came into wide use. In that era
improvements in founding technologies created a niche for
iron spheres in medium-sized cannon. However, stones
continued to find application in the largest cannons. Here
we will leave iron and stone behind. The immediate future
of bullets was then clearly defined—lead and its alloys.
Lead is a common element found in many locales
worldwide. Most commonly it is an ore product of the min¬
eral Galena (PbS). It has been widely known and available
since the 8th century bc. Further, lead has long been com¬
paratively inexpensive.
Several physical properties render lead an eminently
suited base substance for use in small arms projectiles.
First, lead is malleable—it deforms under stress with¬
out fracturing. This provides for proper bore obturation
and eases the loading operation in muzzle-loading arms.
Second, lead is chemically stable under atmospheric
conditions. This provides for a long shelf life of preman¬
ufactured bullets. Third, lead melts at a comparatively
8th Edition 439
Chapter 16
low temperature (it is easy to melt over an open wood
flame). Fourth, lead is easy to cast into preshaped
objects. These latter two characteristics allow a person
with a bit of skill to produce high-quality bullets using
only a few modest tools.
However, until the advent of rifling, in the late
1400s, lead bullets offered limited ballistic advantage.
In fact, even the simple long bow had a much greater
effective range! That a lead bullet would carry signifi¬
cant energy over a considerable distance was of little
practical value: Unrifled guns were not capable of
dependably delivering a bullet to an intended target at
extended ranges. Spiraled rifling dramatically changed
that situation.
The first rifling was not really rifling as we know it
at all. In an effort to minimize deleterious effects of
blackpowder fouling, early shoulder gun makers began
to incorporate deep wide parallel grooves in barrels.
These grooves had no twist. There were likely two basic
versions of such rifling. The first was intended only as a
system to collect fouling and minimize the deleterious
effects of powder fouling in the bore. The idea seems to
have been that the fouling would move into these
grooves as the new bullet was seated. The second sys¬
tem used a bullet designed with a cicumferential rib.
This rib was aligned with grooves in the barrel during
the loading operation. This design was intended to pre¬
vent unintended bullet rotation. Perhaps this improved
accuracy.
Soon, several enterprising geniuses had a better idea.
In that era and for a long period before the development of
the shoulder gun, the best cross-bow quarrels (and often
long-bow arrows) incorporated a slight twist in the fletch-
ing. This modification had long been proven to improve
long-range accuracy. It was easy to observe the effect this
twisted fletching had on the projectile—rotation. It was
certainly a small stretch of logic to suspect that rotation
of a bullet might similarly improve its performance. Nev¬
ertheless, it seems truly unlikely that those early experi¬
menters could have imagined the ultimate consequences
of their invention!
In any case, it was a small step from the straight barrel
flute to the twisted barrel flute, which became known as
rifling. It is no small praise to those who developed this sys¬
tem that every sporting or military shoulder arm that fea¬
tures this device is now known as a rifle. That fact speaks
volumes for the overwhelming success of this system.
With effective rifling came two significant improve¬
ments in gun performance. First, was an increase in accu¬
rate range of the simple round ball. Second, was the
opportunity for accurate use of elongated projectiles. Both
effects pushed the envelope of gun performance into an
entirely new arena.
By the early 1500s, perhaps a bit earlier, the next
major bullet related innovation was established. Despite
the substantial advantages this innovation offered, sever¬
al generations passed before this new technique was fully
appreciated and embraced. What was this revolutionary
invention? Nothing more than a simple piece of cloth!
Where shooters had formerly carried an iron ramrod
and a heavy mallet, both necessary to drive the bore¬
fitting lead ball down a powder residue-fouled barrel, a
The patched round ball represents the first truly revolutionary sin¬
gle-projectile loading for use in shoulder guns. This device pro¬
vided a plethora of advantages over the unpatched round ball.
The most important include: Faster and easier loading, dramati¬
cally improved accuracy and improved external ballistics. Per¬
fected in the early 1500s, the patched round ball is still an
effective combination for many applications. In typical rifles it
delivers all the accuracy the average shooter can utilize in off¬
hand shooting.
simple wooden ramrod would now do the job quite nice¬
ly. Further, loading time was dramatically reduced.
Best trained shooters can load a patched round ball
into a typical muzzleloader in only a few seconds. The
old system was a painfully slow process. Further, ham¬
mering a lead ball down a bore was wrought with prob¬
lems. First, it deformed the ball, ruining its balance
and potential accuracy. Second, it was bound to even¬
tually damage the gun’s bore, again ruining potential
accuracy.
Using proper lubricants (various animal fats were
preferred) and patched round balls, an experienced
shooter could fire and reload his muzzleloader a half-
dozen times while the fastest reloaders using an
unpatched ball got off only two shots. Further, the
patched ball was intrinsically more accurate than the
unpatched round ball, even under the best of loading
conditions (the unpatched ball necessarily deformed into
the rifling and therefore carried ballistics-limiting scars).
Consider the magnitude of these differences. On the one
side: A shooter firing two well-aimed shots who needs to
get within about 100 yards to expect to hit a man-sized
target most of the time. On the other side: A shooter fir¬
ing at least six well-aimed shots who only needs to get
within about 200 yards to expect to hit a man-sized tar¬
get most of the time. One can readily see the sporting
and military advantage the patched round ball offered—
it is no stretch to call it a revolutionary development
(also a delightful pun).
440 Cartridges of the World
The patched round ball was so effective that for hun¬
dreds of years after the invention of the rifled barrel
(until about 1850) that combination remained the sys¬
tem of choice for almost all shoulder arm applications.
This is a truly amazing fact. It is also good to keep in
mind that the patched round ball is still an impressive
projectile for hunting applications. Typical muzzleload-
ers will deliver these bullets somewhat past 100 yards
with all the accuracy the average hunter can use in the
average hunting situation. The patched round ball for a
75-caliber rifle (0.715-inch diameter—545 grains
weight) can easily deliver 1500 foot pounds of energy at
100 yards.
As an aside, it is worth noting that the widely distrib¬
uted lead-based bullet along with shoulder guns that were
reasonably affordable had a critical role in the develop¬
ment of freedom for the masses. Prior to those develop¬
ments, and throughout the development of so-called
civilization, any monarch or other man of means could
afford to have well-equipped and well-trained mercenar¬
ies that were effectively immune to both defensive and
offensive efforts of the common man. The advent of the
effective gun and bullet reduced the best trained man,
suited in the most effective armor, to the equal of any citi¬
zen who had an hour to learn proper gun handling and
usage. Samuel Colt affected the slogan but he was several
generations late of the actual fact: “God created all men;
Sam’l Colt made all men equal.” I would suggest that
those who do not believe that the second amendment to
Revolutionary Bullet Designs
The next revolutionary innovation in small arms bullets is exem¬
plified by the Minie ball. On the left is a 510-grain 58-caliber
example. The circumferential grooves ease loading, collect and
remove fouling and hold grease to soften blackpowder fouling.
The hollow base provides for proper obturation, even if nearly
pure lead is not used in the casting. In response to the powder’s
blast the bullet swells up to seal the bore and engage the rifling.
The Minie ball is the fastest-loading muzzleloader projectile and
has much better long-range performance, compared to the round
ball. (Note the casting flaw near this dissected bullet’s nose.)
The basic Minie style is an effective design. It is still in use in sev¬
eral factory revolver loadings, as exemplified here by Winches¬
ter’s 255-grain 45 Colt bullet (on the right).
this nation’s constitution was intended to, and still does,
deter tyranny should consider this reality of history a bit
more carefully.
James Watt’s invention of a workable steam engine, in
the late 1700s, made extensive underground mining feasi¬
ble. With that advancement came the first occurrence of
widely available lead at an affordable price. The specter of
equality was thereupon loosed upon an unsuspecting
world order.
Consider that blackpowder and lead were two of the
chief imports in the New World Colonies. As noted, for
many generations the pure lead ball was the projectile of
choice. It worked well in both smoothbore and rifled guns.
The raw material was affordable. It was malleable, easy to
cast and stayed reasonably true in flight (accurate and
predictable). In that era those wanting more power sim¬
ply used a gun with a larger bore.
However, with the advent of rifling the possibilities of
the bullet expanded into an entirely new dimension. The
next significant innovation is epitomized by the Minie
ball, a hollow-base elongated bullet named after C. E.
Minie, a French officer bom in 1814 and who died in 1879.
His name was pronounced Min-e-yeh. Rather than chron¬
icle all the contemporary competitive designs we will look
at what the Minie ball was and what it does.
There were several problems associated with the use of
elongated bullets. Foremost was the deleterious accuracy
and reloading effects of fouling. Attempts to adapt the
cloth patch to an undersize elongated bullet were bound
to fail. Simple geometry demonstrates that a simple equal
thickness patch cannot uniformly surround an elongated
bullet shank in a gun’s barrel.
The solution was to use a bullet that only loosely fit the
gun’s bore. When the powder charge exploded behind the
projectile, the malleable lead upset. It thereby properly
obturated the bore and engaged the rifling. This amelio¬
rated the problems of fouling, eased the loading task,
reduced dimensional control concerns and provided the
requisite accuracy. The Minie ball also represented the
fastest loading muzzleloader projectile. Not insignificant¬
ly, it also provided a useful increase in effective range.
Compared to a round ball, it easily delivered more than
three times the energy at the longest feasible ranges.
The basic design incorporated a hollow base cavity
intended to reduce the force necessary to expand the bul¬
let to fill the rifling. This feature also eased loading into
slightly undersize or badly fouled barrels. It is worth not¬
ing that the purity of lead was a considerable issue. Had
very pure lead been routinely available the Minie,’s hol¬
low base would not have served any significant purpose.
8th Edition 441
Chapter 16
As it was, the low alloys that were available were often
hard enough that without the hollow cavity the ball was
not certain to swell sufficiently to properly obturate the
bore in response to the powder’s explosion.
The second design feature shared by all Minie balls
were concentric grooves in the shank. These served three
significant purposes. First, they held grease, which soft¬
ened powder fouling in the bore and eased seating by sun-
pie reduction of friction. Second, they reduced the force
necessary to start an oversize bullet into the barrel less
contacting surface area and an area where bullet material
could easily deform into. Third, they provided a place for
some of the powder fouling to accumulate and thereby be
removed from the bore as the bullet was fired. This type of
bullet carried the bulk of applications through the advent
of the self-contained cartridge, when other designs gained
an edge as state-of-the-art projectiles.
We should note that several current factory smokeless
loadings use what is essentially a Minie ball. An example
is Winchester’s 255-grain 45 Colt loading—in many qual¬
ity revolvers this antique bullet design still delivers cut¬
ting-edge accuracy. I have seen several lots of 255-grain
Winchester 45 Colt ammunition that easily produce
ragged one-hole groups at 25 yards when fired from the
best made revolvers. Woe be the novice handloader who
tries to duplicate that accuracy with any typical cast or
jacketed bullet. While it can be done, it is no simple task.
The next significant innovation was the paper patched
bullet. While this design was tremendously successful in
highly specialized muzzle-loading target rifles, it found
limited practical use. With perfection of the metallic car¬
tridge as a viable self-contained unit, paper patching
gained a foothold. The first effective application involved
precisely two layers of moistened rag paper, wrapped
around the bullet’s shank. A slight excess of paper behind
the shank was twisted and folded over the bullet’s base,
or into a shallow hollow cavity in the bullet’s base.
Loading a paper patched bullet into a cartridge case
was quite simple and provided a robust round of ammuni¬
tion that could deliver surprising accuracy, even by
today’s standards. There are several reasons the paper
patched bullet then offered (and still does offer) superior
accuracy potential. First, it eliminated the need for any
complicating bullet features. With the paper patch, all
that was required was a cylindrical section and a flat or
slightly hollow base—good bullets were easier to cast. Sec¬
ond, such bullets could be swaged—swaged bullets can be
more perfect, compared to cast bullets. Equally, the paper
patched bullet offered superior ballistics. Necessary lubri¬
cation grooves on an unpatched bullet significantly
increase a bullet’s wind resistance. This both reduces
effective range and increases windage and elevation judg¬
ment errors.
Entire books have been written on the subject of the
paper patched bullet. Here, we will suffice to say that this
design is still among the very best! Many shooters use
modem magnums loaded with smokeless powder to pro¬
pel heavy paper patched bullets to 3000 fps with sub-MOA
accuracy. Nevertheless, the paper patched bullet has lim¬
itations. First, it is time-consuming to manufacture, and
formerly the process did not lend itself to automation.
(However, modem computer-controlled servo-based equip¬
ment could change that!) Second, exposed paper in a
paper patched cartridge is vulnerable to handling damage
and deterioration.
The advent of smokeless powder indirectly led to the
general abandonment of the paper patched bullet. The
problem did not relate to any particular limitation of the
paper patch but, rather, to the fact that, for the first tune,
smokeless powder suggested a shelf life concern for the
paper patch! Formerly, since blackpowder is notoriously
hygroscopic, ammunition was not expected to survive
years of storage. That fact explains the early adoption of
headstamp date markings on military ammunition. The
armorer had to know how old a cartridge was, a month
and year stamp gave him that information. The fact that
the month was included suggests just how long ammuni¬
tion was expected to survive after production!
On the other hand, it was soon realized that smoke¬
less powder loads could survive for many years, even
decades, given only a reasonable measure of careful stor¬
age and handling. As an example of this fact, consider
several lots of pre-WWI German 8x57mm ammunition
that was recently tested: Ballistics and accuracy were
essentially equivalent to the best modern 8x57mm
ammunition. Fired from original military rifles, those
loads generated practically the full rated 2880 fps with
their 154 grain bullets.
The realization of extended shelf life potential and the
need for a more easily produced patched bullet drove the
demand for an alternative. Simplicity, ease of production,
accuracy potential and low cost suggested the unpatched
lead ball. However, it was soon realized that no amount of
alloying, oven hardening or other special treatments could
render the unpatched lead bullet suitable for use in full-
power smokeless cartridge loads. Barrel leading and loss
of accuracy were the chief complaints.
Several harder and higher melting point malleable
metals and alloys were tested as bullet jacket materials.
That is an over simplification. Truth is, practically every¬
thing was tried. For several decades the two big problems
in gun technology were: How to make barrels strong
enough to withstand the pressures that smokeless powder
can generate and effectively use in accelerating a bullet;
how to make bullets that will function properly at that
pressure level.
With the German invention of nickel steel late in the
1800s which resulted as an indirect consequence of pros¬
perity the German industry gained from a patent on bril¬
liant aniline-based fabric dyes), the first problem was
solved. Where chamber pressures in the upper blackpow¬
der regime, perhaps about 30,000 psi, had been the prac¬
tical limit, nickel steel allowed working pressures safely
exceeding 60,000 psi.
As noted, many metallic patching substances were
used. However, a simple alloy of 95 percent copper and 5
percent zinc, known as gilding metal, won the day. This is
still the primary material for use in small arms bullets of
all types.
The gilding metal jacket is easy to produce and manu¬
facture into finished bullets. The core material can be lead
alloy, steel or some more exotic substance. Gilding metal
provides an insulating layer between the bullet’s core and
the barrel steel. Metallic fouling is sufficiently reduced to
442 Cartridges of the World
Revolutionary Bullet Designs
Various modem bullets, dissected to
show structure, left to right: Conven¬
tional jacketed, Homady 30-caliber
165-grain SPBT; conventional Nosier
Partition 30-caliber 165-grain spitzer;
bonded partitioned, Swift 30-caliber
165-grain Spitzer; expanding solid,
Barnes 30-caliber 165-grain X bullet;
expanding modified solid, Winchester
30-caliber 180-grain FS; non-expand¬
ing solid, Barnes 27-caliber 150-grain
homogenous RN.
eliminate the necessity of barrel cleaning for most appli¬
cations. Gilding metal also allows use of a bullet core that
is very hard, in many instances even harder than the bar¬
rel, without bore damage. Finally, gilding metal is inex¬
pensive.
The biggest problem with gilding metal patching was
concentricity. Since gilding metal does not have the same
density as the common materials used in typical bullet
cores, any lack of concentricity results in a shift of the cen¬
ter of rotational mass. This results in the bullet turning
around its longitudinal geometric center as it passes
through the bore, then turning around its, different, lon¬
gitudinal center of mass when it comes free of the bore.
The inevitable result of this effect is an ever widening
spiral as the bullet generates ballistic flight. Accuracy suf¬
fers in direct proportion to the lack of concentricity. For
generations, jacket concentricity significantly limited
metallic jacketed bullet performance. Many long-range
records set with paper patched lead bullets in the late
1800s stood through WWII. Concentricity is still a consid¬
erable factor in the production of quality bullets for both
hunting and target applications.
Nevertheless, the modem sporting, military and target
bullet is exemplified by the gilding metal jacketed lead-
alloy cored design. Accuracy and hunting performance are
sufficient to suggest this basic bullet as one of the all-time
great innovations.
Another innovation in fouling reduction is also worthy
of mention here. The impact-bonding of molybdenum
disulfide followed by an application of camauba wax pro¬
vides a startling improvement in typical bullet perfor¬
mance. Bullets treated with this patented, moly-coat
process will produce significantly less bore fouling. Other
well-documented benefits include, dramatically increased
barrel life, higher velocity potential and improved accura¬
cy. The moly-coat process is also very inexpensive and is
easily adapted to commercial production.
We have to mention several significant alterations to the
basic copper-alloy jacketed bullet. In most hunting applica¬
tions the hunter wants the bullet to open up upon impact
and deliver the majority of its energy in the “boiler room.”
This suggests several significant limitations in the basic
jacketed bullet design. First, there is the potential for the
jacket to separate from the core. Second, there is the poten¬
tial for the core to fragment. Third, and related to the first
two problems, if the bullet features sufficiently strong con¬
struction to avoid separation or fragmentation, there is a
high probability that it will fail to expand. This has always
been a catch-22 situation. Nevertheless, mainstream man¬
ufacturers have perfected the art and bullet failures are
quite rare—nevertheless, they do occasionally occur.
A particularly effective mitigation used by several
hunting bullet manufacturers is quite basic. The bullet’s
core is literally soldered into the jacket. Combined with
the use of a pure copper jacket and a low-alloy lead core,
this technique produces a bullet that is more apt to
expand on soft impacts but that is also less apt to disinte¬
grate on the hardest impacts and will typically lose less
weight while expanding the same amount. Use of pure
copper for the bullet jacket does significantly increase
metallic bore fouling but this seems a small price to pay
for a superior hunting bullet. As is common with all hunt¬
ing bullets, jacket thickness and several other character¬
istics are carefully controlled to maximize terminal
performance.
A recent innovation is the plated bullet. Speer (and oth¬
ers) have perfected a process whereby a low percentage
alloy copper jacket is electro-chemically plated onto a
nearly pure lead core. Speer is using this design for all of
their high-performance (Gold Dot) pistol and revolver bul¬
lets and a new 30-30 loading (Nytrex). The electro-chemi¬
cally plated jacket design affords several advantages.
First, it provides for innovative application of hollow¬
pointing, jacket nose pre-stressing and core precutting.
This allows precise control of expansion characteristics
with maximum dependability. Second, it practically elim¬
inates the potential for any sort of jacket core separation.
Third, it facilitates testing of new bullet designs with a
minimum of expenses.
Norma Precision has adopted a bonded cone in a line of
high-performance hunting bullets in factory ammunition.
This new Oryx line is intended to provide the most
8th Edition 443
Chapter 16
dependable hunting performance possible and at a price
that is competitive with standard unbonded gilding jack¬
eted hunting bullets.
One obvious method to mitigate the potential for fail¬
ure to expand or failure to hold together is the partition
bullet. The German H-Mantle was developed early in this
century, it appears to have been the original partition bul¬
let. In 1948, John Nosier produced the first of his now
famous Partition bullets. The original design incorporated
bronze and several manufacturing steps not common to
the simple jacketed bullet. Modem production is quite
advanced and Nosier Partition bullets offer an impressive
combination of hunting performance, accuracy and econo¬
my. Several other manufacturers now offer partitioned
bullets of various types.
Regardless of who makes it, the materials used or any
manufacturing peculiarities, the Partition bullet incorpo¬
rates one basic feature: A solid partition made of the same
material as the bullet jacket which separates the nose sec¬
tion from the tail section. This feature is typically made of
copper or gilding metal and is sufficiently thick to prevent
any disruption of the bullet’s nose section from propagat¬
ing to and disrupting the bullet’s tail section.
A typical partitioned bullet features a low-percentage
alloyed (soft and malleable) lead nose core, a higher per¬
centage alloyed (harder and less malleable) lead base core
and a copper alloy jacket featuring specially controlled
jacket thickness and heat treatments.
The partitioned bullet offers one significant benefit: It
can be made soft enough in the nose section to practically
guarantee a reasonable degree of expansion without the
potential for complete failure. However, with this advan¬
tage comes a down side: Unless steps are taken to bond
the nose core to the jacket and thereby minimize jacket
fragmentation, the bullet’s nose is very apt to substantial¬
ly disintegrate during hard (heavy bone) impacts at high
velocity.
One method of reducing this potential is now used in
the Swift A-Frame bullet. A pure lead nose core is sol¬
dered into a pure copper partitioned jacket. Here we have
a bullet that is practically immune to disintegration fail¬
ure. At the same time the A-Frame can provide superior
expansion potential, even in the “softest” of impacts. Like
any other pure copper bullet, increased metallic bore foul¬
ing is an issue, albeit a small consideration to the dedicat¬
ed hunter and one which moly-coating can eliminate.
The Swift Bullet Company set up shop in April 1984,
when they produced their first A-Frame bullet. As was
true of John Nosler’s first production, this was a “base¬
ment operation.” Original A-Frame bullets were made
just as they are today, except for a slight difference in
the finished partition. The original bullets had a small
central opening; improved equipment allows elimina¬
tion of that hole. The partition was also moved farther
forward.
The original Swift A-Frame bullet was a 375-caliber,
a logical choice since Nosier was not then offering a Par¬
tition bullet in 375. In an effort to find a superior hunt¬
ing bullet for their new 416 Magnum, Remington tested
Swift’s 416 bullet, which is designed to open as fast as
possible while limiting expansion and retaining almost
100 percent of its weight. Their results prompted Rem-
The 375-caliber 300-grain bonded partitioned bullet was Swift’s
first offering. This bullet design combines reliable expansion and
high weight retention. Use of pure copper and lead is fundamen¬
tal to the success of the A-Frame bullet. These substances are
more malleable than the alloys used in non-bonded bullets.
Bonding is the key: without bonding, pure copper and lead are
unlikely to withstand the stress of impact and bullet failure is like¬
ly. The copper supports the lead and the lead retains the copper!
ington to choose the A-Frame for use in all Remington
Safari grade ammunition loaded with expanding bul¬
lets.
As we have seen, severed innovations, intended to miti¬
gate the limitations of the gilding jacketed lead-alloy cored
bullet, have been developed to a high level. This fact sug¬
gests a limitation of this basic bullet design. Lead and its
malleable alloys are simply not up to the task of with¬
standing the worst types of impacts with game animals.
While the target bullet is still a typical jacketed lead-
alloy cored bullet, hunting bullets have moved beyond
lead and its alloys. The solid copper or copper alloy hunt¬
ing bullet, as exemplified by the Barnes X and the modem
Barnes solid, promise new vistas in terminal performance.
The simplest of these bullets is the solid. The Barnes
solid is representative of an entire genre of homogenous
solid bullets. Typically these are lathe-turned out of brass.
Compared to any of the jacketed non-expanding bullet
designs, homogenous solids have one important advan¬
tage. Such a bullet is practically immune to deformation
resulting from any impact with a dangerous game animal.
Since these bullets will not deform or fragment, terminal
performance is predictable.
The Barnes X gets its name from the characteristic
shape of the expanded bullet—when seen “nose on” it
forms an obvious X. These expanding bullets are made of
essentially pure copper with tightly controlled metallurgi¬
cal properties and a specially shaped hollow point that
includes precut internal flutes in the bullet’s nose. These
flutes facilitate expansion and are an important part of
how the X bullet works.
During manufacture, a length of copper wire is formed
through a series of dies to the final shape. In the process,
444 Cartridges of the World
Revolutionary Bullet Designs
Representative expanded bullets, left to right: Homady 30-cal-
iber 165-grain SPBT after high-velocity impact; Barnes 30-cal-
iber 165-grain X after moderate-velocity impact; same bullet
after high-velocity impact.
(Below) Zinc is useful for indoor shooting. It casts well and
produces little metallic fouling, even at high velocity. Shown,
left to right: 87-grain 38-caliber (from a mould that casts 140-
grain lead-alloy bullets); 95-grain 38-caliber (from a mould
that casts 158-grain lead-alloy bullets); 142-grain 45-caliber
(from a mould that casts 230-grain lead-alloy bullets).
(Above) Jacket/core separations are quite common
in conventional jacketed bullets. This 44 Magnum
bullet jacket typifies one limitation of this bullet
design. Rifle bullet manufacturers have incorporated
all manner of modifications to reduce this tendency,
and with good success. However, separations and
fragmentation are endemic to the basic design.
the nose is hollowed to the finished depth with a specially
shaped fluted punch. The bullet nose is then reclosed to
the final spitzer configuration. The formed hollow point
typically reaches the full length of the bullet’s ogival nose
section.
As finished, the bullet has a tiny deep hollow point.
The nose is solid on the outside but separated into (usu¬
ally) four sections by parallel longitudinal cuts extend¬
ing from the hollow point hole almost to the outside.
Upon impact, hydraulic forces open the bullet’s nose
through bending.
Compared to a conventional softpoint bullet, the
physics of expansion is fundamentally different in the X
bullet. In the former, the core and jacket have to expand
through malleable deformation. In the latter, expansion is
primarily achieved through the action of bending open the
individual bullet nose petals. This is more than just a mat¬
ter of semantics. Bending requires much less energy, com¬
pared to malleable deformation.
More importantly, this characteristic makes it possible
for the X bullet to expand at lower velocities than a con¬
ventional deforming bullet will. Further, the relatively
high strength and malleability of copper allows the X bul¬
let to expand without failure at higher impact velocities
than most conventional bullets can withstand. As a result
the X bullet will expand reliably across a wider velocity
range and against a wider range of resistance than any
conventional bullet.
Further, the X will retain practically 100 percent of its
impacting mass almost every time. Also, the X creates less
frontal area for any given degree of maximum expansion
(the areas between the petals is not included) while, at the
same time, generating more length along that front. This
Rubber projectiles find application in riot control. These so-called
non-lethal projectiles are quite dangerous and are offered in 12-
gauge police loadings. (Left to right) 89-grain dart; 56-grain ball;
8.3-grain buck; 4.2-grain buck.
Remington 30-06 Accelerator bullet and sabot. The plastic sabot
carries a 22-caliber 55-grain bullet. The fingers at the sabot’s
nose open at the muzzle and the sabot is stripped away from the
bullet by wind resistance—an approach both old and new!
8th Edition 445
Chapter 16
provides for superior penetration with greater wounding
effect along every inch of penetration!
The latest advancement in bullet technology is the
tungsten alloy cored target bullet, under development
at Powell River Laboratory. These bullets offer two sig¬
nificant advantages. First the tungsten alloy core is
harder than a lead core. This reduces the upset that
occurs as a result of stresses imposed in the firing
process. Second, the tungsten alloy core is significantly
heavier (length-for-length) compared to a lead alloy
core.
This latter effect provides for a reduction in velocity
loss across any given range. For a variety of reasons it also
dramatically reduces wind deflection. At long ranges this
latter benefit is substantial. Owing chiefly to this advan¬
tage, it is very likely that despite the very high cost, these
bullets will find increasing application in long-range tar¬
get competitions. As an added bonus tungsten bullets also
offer the potential for increased muzzle velocity with any
given bullet weight. They occupy less room in the case and
do not slug up as much in the barrel which reduces veloc¬
ity-robbing bullet-to-bore friction.
Regarding recent developments, we find the muzzle-
loader revisited by modem bullet manufacturers. In this
instance, we again find Barnes Bullets at the forefront.
They have adapted a modification of their X bullet design
for use in blackpowder muzzle-loading guns. These pure
copper saboted bullets achieve startling ballistic uniformi¬
ty and can bring a new level of performance to the old
smokepole. Not the least of the advantages these bullets
provide is a significant reduction in recoil for the level of
terminal performance achieved.
As we close, we find ourselves getting back to where we
started. The most sophisticated modem gun fires a non¬
rotating saboted quarrel-shaped bullet out of a smooth
bore! These projectiles rely on aerodynamic stability to
achieve accuracy. Some of the most effective projectiles
fired from these guns rely entirely upon the delivery of
huge doses of kinetic energy to do the job on the intended
target. Other versions include sophisticated charges of
high explosives.
Muzzle velocities can exceed 6000 fps. Some versions
use a comparatively small diameter depleted-uranium
dart. These slender projectiles can accurately deliver the
vast majority of the muzzle energy across ranges exceed¬
ing one-mile. Upon impact with any hard object, bullets at
that velocity create intense heating, which is often suffi¬
cient to indirectly destroy an armor-plated tank through
ignition of munitions within.
If, as seems most likely, the first bullets were indeed
simply quarrels borrowed from the crossbow and intended
to puncture through armor plate, it is something of an
irony that the latest high-technology bullets are essential¬
ly similar in design and purpose.
446 Cartridges of the World
Chapter 17
U.S. MILITARY AMMUNITION
_(5.56 to 20mm)_
(Current and Obsolete—Blackpowder and Smokeless)
MUCH OF this information was originally published in
our Third Edition. Since then, we have had requests for a
reprint of the data covering U.S. military cartridges. The
information was compiled to provide a quick and easy to
use reference source for the identification of the more
modem U.S. military ammunition—that is, the post-
World War II period. Many of the cartridges listed here
are no longer in use, but have become collectors’ items of
increasing scarcity and value over a period of time.
The identification of armor piercing, incendiary or
explosive type munitions is a matter of concern to collec¬
tors, to shooters of surplus military weapons, and also to
police, firemen and others. The data provided here will
enable the reader to identify the various types of U.S. mil¬
itary ammunition likely to be encountered on the surplus
market or in use by the military. Insofar as the author is
aware, this is the only popular publication that has pub¬
lished most of the information contained in this chapter,
particularly the identifying color codes.
In addition to the standard military cartridges listed
here, the various branches of the service also use a number
of commercial cartridges such as the 22 Short and 22 Long
Rifle; 22 Hornet; 32 ACP; 38 S&W; 38 S&W Special; 9mm
Parabellum (now the official U.S. Military handgun car¬
tridge); 45-70 blank; and the 410 bore, 12- and 10-gauge
shotgun shells. Details of all these are not provided in this
chapter, but are covered elsewhere in this book. There are
a number of new ammunition developments in the U.S.
militaiy not listed here, but most of these are experimental
or in the developmental stage and have not been officially
adopted. The cartridges listed here are those that have
been standardized and are or were in official use.
This material was, to a large extent, abstracted from
two out-of-print government publications: Small Arms
and Small Arms Ammunition, Vol. 2, Office of the Chief of
Ordnance, Washington D.C.; and Small Arms Ammuni¬
tion Pamphlet 23-1, Dept, of the Army Frankford Arsenal,
Philadelphia, PA. Don’t write to the author or publisher
asking where you can get copies of these. We don’t know!
Such things as industrial or manufacturing codes and
drawing numbers have been omitted because they would
not be of interest to the great majority of readers of Car¬
tridges of the World.
Note: The second figure that appears with some of the
data, particularly the weights and pressures, is a manu¬
facturing tolerance and was left in so that the reader will
understand that some variations can be expected between
different lots and manufacture of ammunition. Also, it
should be understood that in some instances the powder
type given has been changed from tubular to ball powder
in recent years. As an example, 56-2 grs. means a stan¬
dard weight of 56 grains with no more than a 2-grain vari¬
ation (±1 gr.) being acceptable. The rest of the data is more
or less self-explanatory.
5.56X45MM AMMUNITION
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Port Pres.:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Tubular
Weight:
Ident.:
Cartridge, 5.56mm, Ball, Ml 93
Rifle, 5.56mm, M16; M16E1
3250 ±40 fps at 15 feet; Std. Dev.40
fps max.
52,000 psi max. avg.; avg. pressure
plus 3 Std. Dev. 58,000 psi max.
15,000 psi 2,000 psi
2.00" mean radius max. avg. at 200
yards
182 -14 grs.
94-5 grs.
56-2 grs.
4.0 grs. approx.
Lead styphnate
IMR8208M
Single Base
25.5 grs.
Plain tip
WC846
Double Base
Spheroidal
28.5 grs.
8th Edition 447
Chapter 17
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Port Pres.:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
Cartridge, 5.56mm, Ball, M855A1
Rifle, 5.56mm, M16A2, M249
3020 ±40 fps
52,000 psi max. avg.; avg. pressure
plus 3 Std. Dev.: 58,000 psi max.
15,000 psi 2,000 psi
2.00" mean radius max. avg. at 200 yards
187 -14 grs.
94 - 5 grs.
62 - 2 grs.
4.0 grs. approx.
Lead styphnate
IMR8208M
Single Base Tubular
Green tip
WC846
Spheroidal
Cartridge, Grenade; 5.56mm, Ml 95
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Cartridge:
Case:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Wad:
Ident.:
Rifle, 5.56mm, XM16E1; M16
140 to 165 fps at 5'6" (Grenade 1.56
.01 lbs) No individual shot below 140 fps
127.5 - 4 grs.
98 - 3 grs.
4.0 grs. approx.
Lead Styphnate
IMR4475
Single Base, Tubular
25.0 grs.
.5 grs. max., Cardboard, Royal Satin
coated (both sides) Booklined Yellow
Case mouth closed with 7 petal rose
crimp red tip
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Port Pres.:
Accuracy:
Trace:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Point Filler:
Base Clos.:
Tracer:
Ign.:
Sub Ign.
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
Cartridge, 5.56mm, Tracer, Ml 96
Rifle, 5.56mm, M16; XM16E1
3200 ±40 fps at 15 feet; Std. Dev.
40 fps max.
52,000 psi max. avgVavg. pressure
plus 3 Std. Dev. 58,000 psi max.
15,000 psi 2,000 psi
5.00" mean radius max. avg. at 200 yards
The trace shall be visible from a point
not greater than 75 yards from the
the muzzle of weapon to a point not
less than 500 yards from the muzzle.
177-11 grs.
94 - 5 grs.
54 - 2 grs.
28 - .5 grs.—lead-antimony
Vinyl
2.7 grs. approx.
1.0 gr.
.05 gr.
4.0 grs. approx.
Lead Styphnate
IMR8208M
Single Base Tubular
25.3 grs.
Red Tip
Cartridge, 5.56mm, Test, High Pressure, Ml 97
Weapon: Used to proof test barrels and
weapons (not a service cartridge)
Ballistic Perf.:
Pressure: 70,000 3,000 psi, max. Std. Dev.
3500 psi
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
174 -11 grs.
94 - 5 grs.
C10524197—56 - 2 grs.
4.0 grs. approx.
HPC 3
Double Base Flake
20.0 grs.
Case Stannic Stained or
Nickel Plated
Cartridge, 5.56mm, Tracer, M856A1
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Port Pres.:
Accuracy:
Trace:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Rifle, 5.56mm, M16A2, M249
2795 ±40 fps
52,000 psi max. avg./ avg. pressure
plus 3 Std. Dev. 58,000 psi max.
15,000 psi 2,000 psi
5.00" mean radius max. avg. at 200 yards
The trace shall be visible from a point
not greater than 75 yards from the
muzzle of the weapon to a point not
less than 500 yards from the muzzle.
177 -11 grs.
94 - 5 grs.
63.8 grs.
4.0 grs. approx.
Lead Styphnate
Type:
Weight:
Ident.: Orange tip
Weapon:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer:
Propellant:
Ident.:
Dummy Cartridge, 5.56mm, Ml 99
Rifle, 5.56mm, XM16E1;
M16—Training
150 - 7 grs.
94 - 7 grs.
56 - 2 grs.
None
None
Impressed upon the case, 6
corrugations, approx. .030-inch deep
equally spaced about the periphery.
Cartridge, 5.56mm, Blank, XM200
Weapon: Rifle, 5.56mm, M16; XM16E1 with
blank firing attachment, M13
Ballistic Perf.:
Screen pert:
Cyclic Rate:
per minute
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
No perforations in paper screen at 15 ft.
Min. 550 rds. per minute, max. 800 rds.
109.5 - 4 grs.
98 - 3 grs.
None, Case Mouth closed with 7-petal
rose crimp
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Type:
Weight:
Wad:
Ident.:
4.0 grs. approx.
Lead Styphnate
HPC 13
Double Base, Flake
7.0 grs.
None
Cannelure approx V 2 " from head and
mouth closed with 7 petal rose crimp
Dummy Cartridge, 5.56mm, Inert Loaded, M232
Weapon: Rifle, 5.56mm, XM16E1, M16
Cartridge: 181.5 - 7.0 grs.
Case: 94 - 5 grs.
448 Cartridges of the World
Bullet: 56 - 2 grs.
Primer: None
Propellant: 31 grs. Sodium Carbonate
Monohydrate
Ident.: Cartridge, chemical black
Dummy Cartridge, 5.56mm, Inert Loaded, M857
Weapon: Rifle, 5.56mm, M16A2, M249
Cartridge: 187.5 - 7.0 grs.
Case: 94-5 grs.
Bullet: 61 - 2 grs.
Primer: None
Propellant: 31 grs. Sodium
Carbonate Monohydrate
Ident.: Cartridge, chemical black
.30 CALIBER CARBINE
Cartridge, Cal .30, Carbine, Ball, Ml
Weapon: Carbine, Caliber .30, Ml; Carbine.,
Caliber .30, M2
U.S. Military Ammunition (5.56 to 20mm)
Ballistic Perf.
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
1900 ±30 fps
40,000 psi, max. avg.
1.5" mean radius max. avg. at 100 yards
146 -13 grs. (with gilding metal
jacketed bullet) 193 -13 grs. (with
gilding metal clad steel jacketed bullet)
71-6 grs.
111-3 grs. (with gilding metal jacket)
108 - 3 grs. (with gilding metal clad
steel jacket)
Lead Styphnate
WC820
Double Base
Spheroidal
13 grs.
Plain Tip
HPC5
Double Base
Flake
13 grs.
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Ident.:
Cartridge, Cal .30, Carbine, Ml 3
Carbine Cal .30, Ml; Carbine,
Caliber .30, M2
: None
177 grs.
66 grs.
111-3 grs.—108 - 3 grs.
Drilled case, no primer
Cartridge, Cal .30, Carbine, Rifle Grenade, M6
Weapon: Carbine, Caliber .30, Ml; Carbine,
Caliber .30, M2
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Cartridge:
Case:
Wad:
Primer, Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Weight:
Ident.:
Shall propel grenade (AT, Practice,
M11A3) with velocity of 145 ±15 fps at 5 feet
103 grs.
77 grs.
Pressed Paper, Commercial
IMR 4809 and Black Powder
21 grs.
Case Mouth closed with 5-petal rose
crimp
Cartridge, Cal .30, Carbine, Test, High Pressure, Ml 8
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Carbine, Caliber .30 Ml; Carbine,
Caliber .30, M2
47,500 2,500 psi max. avg.
233 grs. approx.
71 - 6grs.
152 - 3 grs.
HPC-5
Type: Double Base, Flake
Weight: 14 grs.
Ident.: Case is stannic stained
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf
Cartridge, Cal .30, Carbine, Tracer, M27
Carbine, Caliber .30, Ml; Carbine,
Caliber .30, M2
Velocity:
1800 ±30 fps
Pressure:
40,000 psi, max. ave.
Trace:
Bright Trace from 100 to 400 yards
Accuracy:
3.5" mean radius max.
avg. at 100 yards
Cartridge:
191 -13 grs.
Case:
B6200957, 71 - 6 grs.
Bullet:
103 - 4 grs.
Tracer:
5.5 grs. approx.
Igniter:
0.5 gr. approx.
Primer, Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
HPC-5
WC 820
Type:
Double Base
Double Base
Flake
Spheroidal
Weight:
13 grs.
13 grs.
Point Ident.:
Orange Tip
7.62MM, NATO, AMMUNITION (308 WIN.)
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Ball, M59
Weapon: Gun, Machine, 7.62mm, M60;
M73 Rifle, 7.62mm, M14
Ballistic Perf
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Core:
Fill., Pt.:
Fill., Base:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Pellet Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
Cartridge,
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.
Prim. Wt:
Pellet Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
2750 ±30 fps at 78 feet
50,000 psi, max. avg.
Carton or Clip Pack—5" mean radius
at 600 yards
Link Pack— 7 V 2 " mean radius at 600 yards
393-27 grs.
190 - 20 grs.
150.5 - 6.5 grs. (cut cannelure)
150.5 - 5.5 grs. (knurled cannelure)
55 - 2 grs.—steel
24 -1 grs.—lead-antimony
14.5 -1 grs.—lead-antimony
5.430 - 0.520 grs.
.600 - .120 grs.
Lead Styphnate
WC 846
Double Base
Spheroidal
46 grs.
Plain tip
IMR 4475
Single Base
Tubular
41 grs.
7.62mm, NATO, Test, High Pressure, M60
Used to proof test barrels and
weapons (Not a service cartridge)
67,500 2,500 psi, avg.
412.0 - 23.5 grs.
190 - 20 grs.
174.5 - 3.0 grs.
5.43 - 0.52 grs.
0.60 - 0.12 grs.
FA-956, Lead Styphnate
IMR 4475
Single Base Tubular
41 grs.
Stannic Stained Case
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, AP, M61
Weapon: Gun, Machine, 7.62mm, M60;
M73 Rifle, 7.62mm, M14
8th Edition 449
Chapter 17
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Core:
Fill., Pt:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Pellet Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
2750 fps ±30 fps at 78 feet
50,000 psi, max. avg.
7 .5" mean radius at 600 yards
393 - 27 grs.
190 - 20 grs.
C7553740—150.5 - 6.5 grs. (cut cannelure);
150.5 - 5.5 grs. (knurled cannelure)
55 - 2 grs.—steel
24 -1 grs.—Lead Antimony
5.430 - 0.520 grs.
.600 - .120 grs.
FA-956, Lead Styphnate
IMR 4475
Single Base
Tubular
41 grs.
Black Lacquer
WC 846
Double Base
Spheroidal
46 grs.
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Tracer, M62
Weapon: Gun, Machine, 7.62mm, M60;
M73 Rifle, 7.62mm, M14
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Trace:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Fill., Pt:
Tracer:
Ign.:
Sub-ign.:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Pellet Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
2750 ±30 fps at 78 feet
50,000 psi, max. avg.
15" mean radius, max. avg., at 600 yards
Visible trace between 100 and 850
yards, min.
383 - 29 grs.
190 - 20 grs.
142 - 4 grs.
72.0 -1.5 grs.—Lead Antimony
6.5 grs.approx.
1.0 grs. approx.
1.0 grs. approx.
5.43 - 0.52 grs.
0.60 - 0.12 grs.
FA-956, Lead Styphnate
Double Base Spheroidal
46 grs.
Orange Lacquer
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Tracer, M62
(Overhead Fire Application)
Gun, Machine, 7.62mm, M60;
M73 Rifle, 7.62mm, M14
2680 ±30 fps at 78 feet
50,000 psi, max. avg.
„ __ v . 9" mean radius, max. avg. at 600 yards
Extreme Spread, Max. per target: 45 inches
IVJLcLa.. pci WUgCl. TU xxxvxxco
Visible trace between 100 and 850 yards, min.
387 - 29 grs.
190 - 20 grs.
146 - 4 grs.
72 -1.5 grs.—Lead Antimony
None
6.5 grs. approx.
1.0 grs. approx.
1.0 grs. approx.
5.43 - 0.52 grs.
0.60 - 0.12 grs.
FA-956, Lead Styphnate
Double Base Spherical
46 grs.
Red Lacquer
Trace:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Fill., Pt:
Base Seal:
Tracer:
Igniter:
Sub-ign.:
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Pellet Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
Dummy Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, M63
Weapon: Gun, Machine, 7.62mm, M60;
M73 Rifle, 7.62mm, M14
Requirements: Training and Gun Functioning
Bullet Pull: 175 lb. min.
Cartridge: 258 - 21.5 grs.
Case: 190 - 20 grs.
Bullet: 68 -1.5 grs.
Ident.: 6 corrugations spaced equally around
periphery of case
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Grenade, Rifle, M64
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Rifle, 7.62mm, M14
Cartridge shall propel a grenade
weighing 1.56 .01 lbs., 160 ±5 fps
at 5.6 feet beyond the
forward end of the grenade when fully
positioned for launching.
Case:
236 - 21 grs. (IMR8097 Propellant)
241 - 21 grs. (WC830 Propellant)
190 - 20 grs.—Copper Alloy
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
5.430 - 0.520 grs.
Pellet Wt:
.600 - .120 grs.
Compos.:
FA-956, Lead Styphnate
Propellant:
Brand: HPC4
1MR8097
WC830
Type: Double Base Single Base
Double Base
Tubular Tubular
Spherical
Weight: 37 grs,
40 grs.
45 grs.
Wad:
Pressed Paper
Ident.:
Rosette Crimp
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Ball, M80
Weapon: Gun, Machine, 7.62mm, M60;
M73 Rifle, 7.62mm, M14
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
2750 ±30 fps at 78 feet
50,000 psi, max. avg.
Carton or Clip Pack—" mean radius,
max. avg. at 600 yards
Cartridge:
392 - 31 grs.
Case:
190 - 20 grs.
Bullet:
149 - 3 grs.
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
5.43 - 0.52 grs.
Pellet Wt:
0.60 - 0.12 grs.
Compos.:
Propellant:
FA-956, Lead Styphnate
Single Base
Type:
Double Base Single Base
Spheroidal Tubular
Tubular
Weight:
46 grs. 41.5 grs.
41 grs.
Ident.:
Plain Tip
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Ball, M80
(Overhead Fire Application)
Gun, Machine, 7.62mm, M60;
M73 Rifle, 7.62mm, M14
2750 ±30 fps at 78 feet
50,000 psi, max. avg.
5 " mean radius, max. avg. at 600 yards;
Cartridge:
393 - 31 grs.
Case:
Bullet:
190 - 20 grs.
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
5.43 - 0.52 grs.
Pellet Wt:
0.60 - 0.12 grs.
Compos.:
Propellant:
FA-956, Lead Styphnate
MIMR4475
Brand:
WC 846 IMR 8138
Type:
Double Base Single Base
Single Base
Spheroidal Tubular
Tubular
Weight:
46 grs. 41.5 grs.
41 grs.
Point Ident.:
Plain Tip
450 Cartridges of the World
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Blank, M82
Weapon: Rifle, 7.62mm, M14, Machine Gun,
M60; M73 with blank firing
attachment
Ballistic Perf.:
Screen Perf.:
Cartridge:
Case:
Wad:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Pellet Wt:
Compos.:
Type:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
Perforations in paper screen shall be
less than 0.1-inch in diameter at 15 ft.
from muzzle of gun
222 - 225 grs. approx.
201 grs. approx.
.030-inch tagboard or chipboard
5.430 - 0.520 grs., 5 grs. approx.
Lead Styphnate—FA-956; FA-1023
SR4759 HPC-2 WC818
Single Base Double Base Double Base
Tubular Flake Spheroidal
17.5 grs. 14.5 grs. 14.5 grs.
No bullet, crimped mouth, double
tapered neck and orifice sealed with
red lacquer
Cartridge, 7.62mm, Match, Ml 18
Rifle, 7.62mm, M14 (National Match)
2550 ±30 fps at 78 feet
50,000 psi, max. avg.
3.5" mean radius, max. avg. at 600 yards
390 grs. approx.
190 - 20 grs.
175.5 - 3.0 grs.
5.43 - 0.52 grs.; 5.3 grs. approx.; 5 grs.
approx.
0.60 - 0.12 grs.; 0.7 - 0.2 grs.; .58 -.08 grs.
FA-956 FA-961 FA-1023
Lead Styphnate
WC 846 IMR 4895
Double Base Single Base
Spherical Tubular
44 grs. 42 grs.
Special head stamping-Match
stamped on head of case or “NM”
stamped on head of case of cartridges
for National Matches
Cartridge, 7.62mm, Match, M852
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Pellet Wt:
Compos.:
Type:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
Rifle, 7.62mm, M14 (National Match)
2550 ±30 fps at 78 feet
50,000 psi, max. avg.
3.5" mean radius, max. avg. at 600 yards
383 grs. approx.
190 - 20 grs.
168 grs. Hollow point boat-tail
5.43 - 0.52 grs.; 5.3 grs. approx.;
5 grs.approx.
0.60 - 0.12 grs.; 0.7 - 0.2 grs.;
.58 -.08 grs.
FA-956 FA-961 FA-1023
Lead Styphnate
IMR 4895
Single Base
Tubular
42 grs.
Special head stamping-Match
stamped on head of case or “NM”
stamped on head of case of cartridges
for National Matches
Weapon:
Cartridge, 7.62mm, Ball, Frangible, Ml 60
Gun, Machine, 7.62mm, M73
U.S. Military Ammunition (5.56 to 20mm)
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity: 1320 ±50 fps
Accuracy: 4.0"mean radius max. avg. at 100 yards
Perf.: The bullet of the cartridge shall not
perforate a 3 /i6" thick plate Dural
.2024 T4 (or equal) with a Brinell
hardness of 105 to 125 under a 500
kilogram load at a range of 25 yards.
Cartridge:
315 - 24 grs.
Case:
190 - 20 grs.
Bullet:
108.5 - 3 grs., Bakelite, Natural and
powdered lead
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
5.43 - 0.52 grs.
Compos.:
FA-956
Propellant:
Brand:
SR8074 HPC-8
WC140
Type:
Single Base Double Base
Single Base
Tubular Flake
Spheroidal
Weight:
10.5 grs. 8.3 grs.
11.4 grs.
Ident.:
Green tip; White annulus
Dummy, Cartridge, 7.62mm, Inert Loaded, Ml 72
Weapon: Gun, Machine, M60, Testing Metallic
Link Belts and Gun Function
Requirements:
Bullet Extr.:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Filler:
Ident.:
The force required to extract the
bullet from the cartridge case shall
not be less than 173 lbs.
385 - 23 grs.
190 - 20 grs.
149 - 3 grs.
Sodium Carbonate Monohydrate or
equal
Cartridge, black oxide, no primer or
primer vent hole
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Ball, Duplex, Ml 98
Weapon: Rifle, 7.62mm, M14
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity: Front Bullet—2750 ±30 fps at 78 feet
Rear Bullet—2200 fps min. indiv. at
78 feet
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Dispersion:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
52,000 psi, max. avg.
(Front Bullet) 2"mean radius, max.
avg. at 100 yards
(Rear Bullet) between 5 and 10 inches
CEP at 100 yards
411 - 31 grs.
190 - 20 grs.
(Front) 84 - 4 grs.
(Rear) 85-4grs.
5.43 - 0.52 grs.
FA-956, Lead Styphnate
Double Base Spheroidal
45.5 grs.
Green Lacquer
CALIBER .30 AMMUNITION (30-06)
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Tracer:
Cartridge, Cal .30, Tracer Ml
Gun, Machine, Cal .30, M37; Gun,
Machine, Cal .30 Browning M1919A4;
Gun, Machine, Cal .30, M1919A6;
Rifle, U.S. Cal .30, Ml
2700 ±30 fps at 78 feet GM Bullet
2665 ±30 fps for GMCS Bullet
52,000 psi, max. avg.
18"mean radius max. avg. at 600
yards
Visible Light from Muzzle to 900 yards
8th Edition 451
Chapter 17
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Tracer:
Igniter:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
408 - 27 grs. (GM Bullet) 399 - 27 grs.
(GMCS Bullet)
200 - 20grs.
152.5 - 3.5 grs.
143.5 - 3.5 grs.
13 grs. approx.
3 grs. approx.
5.43 - 0.520 grs.—Lead Styphnate
Double Base, Spheroidal—IMR4895
50 grs.
Red tip
Cartridge, Caliber .30, Test, High Pressure, Ml
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
(For Proof Testing all Caliber .30 Weapons)
67,500 psi, max. avg.
432 - 24 grs.
173 - 3 grs.
Weapon:
5.5 grs.
FA961—Lead Styphnate
IMR 4198
Single Base, Tubular
52 grs.
Stannic Stained (tinned) Case
Cartridge, Caliber .30, Ball, M2
Gun, Machine, Cal .30, M37;
Gun, Machine, Cal .30, Browning,
M1919A4; Gun, Machine, Cal .30,
M1919A6; Rifle, U.S. Cal .30, Ml
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
2740 ±30 fps at 78 ft
50,000 psi, max. avg.
7.5"mean radius max. avg. at 600 yards
408 - 23 grs.
200 - 20 grs.
152 - 3 grs.
5.43
Lead Styphnate
Weight:
Point Ident.
IMR4895
Single Base
Tubular
50 grs.
Plain Tip
WC852
Double Base
Spheroidal
50 grs.
CMR-100
Single Base
Tubular
45 grs.
Cartridge, Caliber .30, Ball, M2
(Overhead Fire Application)
Weapon: Guns, Machine, Caliber .30; M37,
Browning M1919A4 and M1919A6
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
2740 ±30 fps at 78 feet
50,000 psi maximum average
5.0"mean radius maximum average
at 600 yards
408 - 23 grs.
200 - 20 grs.
152 - 3 grs.
5.43
FA956—Lead Styphnate
IMR4895
Single Base
Tubular
50 grs.
Plain Tip
WC852
Double Base
Spheroidal
50 grs.
CMR-100
Single Base
Tubular
45 grs.
Cartridge, Caliber .30, Armor Piercing, M2
Weapon: Gun, Machine, Cal .30, M37; Gun,
Machine, Cal .30, Browning,
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
M1919A4; Gun, Machine, Cal .30,
M1919A6; Rifle, U.S. Cal .30, Ml
2715 ±30 fps at 78 feet
54,000 psi, max. avg.
10"mean radius max. avg. at 600 yards
424 - 28 grs.
200 - 28 grs.
166 - 7.5 grs.
5.43
Lead Styphnate
WC852
Double Base
Spheroidal
55 grs.
Black tip
IMR 4895
Single Base
Tubular
55 grs.
Cartridge, Caliber .30, Rifle Grenade, M3
Weapon: Rifle, U.S. Caliber .30, Ml
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity: Shall propel Grenade (Practice, M11A2)
with a velocity of 180 ±15 fps at 5.5ft
Cartridge:
Case:
Wad:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
246 - 20 grs.
200 - 20 grs.
Paper
5.43 - 0.520 grs.
Lead Styphnate
Single Base, IMR 4895
40 grs. + 5.0 1.0 gr. Black powder
Case mouth closed with 5-petal rose
crimp and sealed with red lacquered disc
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Incend:
Penetra:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
Cartridge, Cal .30, API, Ml 4
Gun, Machine, Cal .30, M37 (Tank)
Gun, Machine, Cal .30, Browning,
M1919A4; Gun, Machine, Cal .30,
1919A6; Rifle, U.S. Cal .30, Ml
2780 ±30 fps at 78 feet
54,000 psi, max. avg.
15"mean radius max. avg. at 600 yards
Shall produce flash when fired against
steel target at 175 yards
Avg. penetration depth of .42"when
fired against steel plate at 100 yards
407 - 30 grs.
200 - 20 grs.
151 - 6 grs.
Lead Styphnate
WC 852
Double Base
Spheroidal
50 grs.
Aluminum
IMR 4895
Single Base
Tubular
50 grs.
Cartridge, Cal .30, Frangible, Ball, M22
Weapon: Gun, Machine, Cal .30, M37; Gun,
Machine, Cal .30, Browning,
M1919A4; Rifle, U.S. Cal .30, Ml
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity: 1320 ±30 fps at 53 feet 1500 fps, max.
individual at 53 feet
Accuracy:
Perf.:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
2.0" mean radius max. avg. at 100 yards
Shall not perforate aluminum plate at
25 yards 3 /i6 /r Dural 2024 T4 with
Brinell Hardness of 105 to 125 under
500 Kilogram load
320 - 24 grs.
220 - 20 grs.
108.3 grs. Bakelite
452 Cartridges of the World
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
5.5 grs.
Lead Styphnate
SR 4759
Single Base, Tubular
11 grs.
Green and white tip
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Trace:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
Cartridge, Cal .30, Tracer, M25
Gun, Machine, Cal .30 Browning,
M1917A1
Gun, Machine, Cal .30, M37 (Tank)
Gun, Machine, Cal .30 Browning,
M1919A4
Gun, Machine, Cal .30 Browning,
M1919A6 Rifle, U.S. Cal .30 Ml
2665 ±30 fps at 78 feet
50,000 psi, max. avg.
Bright Trace, 75 to 900 yards
401-25 grs.
200 - 20 grs.
145.5 - 4 grs.
5.430 - 0.520 grs.
Lead Styphnate—FA956
WC 852
Double Base
Spheroidal
50 grs.
Orange tip
IMR 4895
Single Base
Tubular
50 grs.
Cartridge, Cal .30, Tracer, M25 (Steel Case)
Same as Cartridge, Tracer, Cal .30, M25, except:
Case: Steel, 180 - 20 grs.
Cartridge, Cal .30, Dummy, M40
Weapon: For training purposes in all caliber
.30 weapons
Ballistic Perf.: None
Cartridge: 268 - 21.5 grs.
Case: 200 - 20 grs.
Bullet: 68 -1.5 grs.
Ident.: Corrugated case—no primer
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Compos.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
Cartridge, Cal .30, Match, M72
Rifle, U.S. Caliber .30, Ml National
Match
2640 ±30 fps at 78 feet
50,000 psi, max. avg.
3.5"mean radius max. avg. at 600
yards
425 grs. approx.
200 - 20 grs.
175.5 - 3 grs.
5 to 5.6 grs.
FA961 or FA1023—Lead Styphnate
IMR 4895
Single Base, Tubular
50 grs.
“MATCH” stamped on head of case,
and “NM” stamped on head of case of
cartridges for National Matches
Cartridge, Caliber, 30 Blank, Ml 909
Weapon: Gun, Machine, Cal .30, Browning
M1919A4; Gun, Machine, Cal .30
M1919A6; Rifle, U.S. Cal .30, Ml
Ballistic Perf.: None
Cartridge: 218-20 grs.
Case: 200 - 20 grs.
U.S. Military Ammunition (5.56 to 20mm)
Primer Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
WC Blank
SR 4990
Type:
Double Base
Single Base
Spheroidal
Flake
Weight:
12 grs.
12 grs.
Wad:
Paper 25 grs.
Ident.:
No bullet, mouth sealed with red
lacquered disc
Cartridge, Blank, Cal .30, Ml 909 (Steel Case)
Same as Cartridge, Blank, Cal .30, M1909 except:
Case: Steel, 180 - 20 grs.
CALIBER 9MM AMMUNITION
Cartridge, Caliber 9mm, Ball, NATO, M882
Weapon: Pistol, Automatic, Cal 9mm, M9, Mil
Ballistic Perf.:
1251 25 fps at 16 meters
27,000 psi, max. avg.
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
179 grs.
42 grs.
124 grs. Copper Alloy
HPC26
Double Base
5 grs.
Plain tip
Flake
6 grs.
Cartridge, Caliber 9mm Test, High Pressure, M905
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
Used to proof test barrels and
weapons (Not a service cartridge)
50,000 psi, max. avg.
179 grs.
42 grs.
124 grs.
Lead Styphnate
WC 370
Double Base
Ball
7.5 grs.
Tinned Case, HPT headstamp
Cartridge, Caliber 9mm, Practice Tracer, M939
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Trace:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Tracer:
AT-4 Subcaliber Trainer
885 ±25 fps at 25.5 feet
27,000 psi, max. avg.
Visible trace to match AT-4 rocket
trajectory
Aluminum
Brass
Ignit.:
Primer, Perc.: Lead Styphnate
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.: Red Lacquer over Blue Tip
Cartridge, Caliber 9mm, Dummy M917
Weapon: Pistol, Automatic, Cal 9mm, M9, Mil
Ballistic Perf.: Not applicable
Cartridge: 179 grs. approx.
Bullet: 124 grs.
Ident.: Hole in side wall of case
8th Edition 453
Chapter 17
CALIBER .45 AMMUNITION
Cartridge, Caliber .45, Ball, Ml 911
Weapon: Pistol, Automatic, Cal .45, M1911A1
Gun, Submachine, Cal. 45, M3A1
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
855 25 fps at 25.5 feet
19,000 psi, max. avg.
7.46"diagonal (max. avg.) at 50 yards
331 -17 grs.
87 -10 grs.
234 - 6 grs. Copper Alloy
.231 grs. Gilding Metal Clad Steel
Primer, Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Flake
Weight:
Point Ident.:
SR 7970
Single Base
Flake
5 grs.
Plain tip
HPC 1
Double Base
5 grs.
Cartridge, Caliber .45, Ball, M1911, Steel Case
Weapon: Pistol, Automatic, Cal .45, M191LA1
Gun, Submachine, Cal .45, M3A1
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Flake
Weight:
855 ±25 fps at 25.5 feet
19,000 psi, max. avg.
7.46"diagonal (max. avg.) at 50 yards
321 - 20 grs.
82 -10 grs.
234 - 6 grs.
SR 7970
Single Base
Flake
5 grs.
HPC 1
Double Base
5 grs.
Cartridge, Caliber .45, Ball, Ml 911, Match Grade
Weapon: Pistol, Automatic, Cal .45, M191 LAI
National Match
Ballistic Perf:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Flake
Weight:
Ident.:
855 ±25 fps at 25.5 feet
19,000 psi, max. avg.
3" diagonal (max. avg.) at 50 yards
334 -17 grs.
87 -10 grs.
234 - 6 grs.
SR 7970 HPC 1
Single Base Double Base
Flake
5 grs. 5grs.
Special head stamping—“Match”—
stamped on head of case, and “NM”
stamped on head of case of cartridges
for National Matches
Cartridge, Caliber .45 Test, High pressure, Ml
Weapon: Used to proof test barrels and
weapons (Not a service cartridge)
Ballistic Perf.:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
22,000 psi, max. avg.
332-16 grs.
87 -10 grs.
234 - 6 grs.
Lead Styphnate
SR 7970
Single Base
Flake
7 grs.
Stannic Stained Case
HPC 1
Double Base
Flake
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Screen Perf.:
Cartridge:
Wad:
Primer, Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
Cartridge, Caliber .45, Blank, M9
Pistol, Automatic, Cal .45, M191 LAI
0.1" dia. max. perforations in paper
screen at 15 feet
104 grs. approx.
Lead Styphnate
SR 4990
Single Base Flake
10 grs.
No bullet, case mouth
tapered and sealed with
red lacquered disc
Cartridge, Blank, Cal .45, M9 (Steel Case)
Same as Cartridge, Blank, Cal .45, M9, except: ctg.
weight 91 grs.
Case: Steel, 85 -10 grs.
Propellant: 7 grs.
Cartridge, Caliber .45, Tracer, M26
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Trace:
Cartridge:
Bullet:
Tracer:
Ignit.:
Primer, Perc.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Flake
Weight:
Point Ident.:
Pistol, Automatic, Cal .45, M191 LAI
Gun, Submachine, Cal .45, M3A1
885 ±25 fps at 25.5 feet
19,000 psi, max. avg.
Visible trace between 15 and 150 yards, min.
331 -17 grs.
203 grs. approx.
3 grs. approx.
2.5 grs. approx.
Lead Styphnate
SR 7970
Single Base
Flake
5 grs.
Red Lacquer
HPC 1
Double Base
5 grs.
Cartridge, Tracer, Cal .45, M26 (Steel Case)
Same as Cartridge, Cal .45, M26, except:
Case: Steel, 82 -10 grs.
Cartridge, Caliber .45, Blank Line Throwing M32
Case:
Primer:
Propellant:
Ballistics:
Pressure:
Ident.:
Brass
Non-mercuric, non-corrosive
Commercial
20,000 psi
No bullet, rimmed long case, “.45 M32”
stamped on head of case
Note: This cartridge used with Lyle life saving
gun, Cal 45/70.
Cartridge, Caliber .45, Match, Wad Cutter
(Commercial)
Weapon: Pistol Automatic Cal .45, M191 LAI,
National Match
Ballistics:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Propellant:
Primer:
Ident.:
The mean velocity of 10 rds. at 15 ft. from
the muzzle of the gun shall be 765 ±45 fps
The mean pressure of 10 rds. shall not
exceed 18,000 psi. The extreme
variation shall not exceed 6200 psi.
Average extreme spread of 5-5 shot targets
at 50 yards shall not exceed 3.0 inches
Brass
185 grains Gilding Metal
Commercial
Commercial Lead Styphnate
Head stamp in accordance with
commercial practice
454 Cartridges of the World
Cartridge, Caliber .45, Dummy Ml 921
Weapon: Pistol, Automatic, Cal .45, M1911A1
Gun, Submachine, Cal .45, M3A1
Ballistic Perf.: Not applicable
Cartridge: 313 grs. approx.
Bullet: 234 - 6 grs.
Ident.: Hole in side wall of case
Cartridge, Caliber .45, Dummy, Ml 921 (Steel Case)
Same as Cartridge, Dummy, Cal .45, M1921, except:
Ctg. weight 301 grs. approx.
Case: Steel, 82 -10 grs.
CALIBER .50 AMMUNITION
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Trace:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Tracer
Ignit. Comp.
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt.:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
Cartridge, Cal .50, Tracer, Ml
Gun, Machine, Caliber .50,
Browning, M2 Heavy Barrel
(Turret Type); Gun, Machine,
Caliber .50, Browning,
M2, Heavy Barrel (Flexible); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Tank, M85
2700 ±40 fps at 78 feet
52,000 psi, max. avg.
Bright trace from 250 to 1600 yards
1785 - 68 grs.
850 - 50 grs.
676 -17 grs.
65 grs.
10 grs.
18.5 grs. approx.
IMR 5010
Single Base, Tubular
240 grs.
Red tip
Cartridge, Caliber .50, Test, High-Pressure, Ml
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Bullet:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
For proof testing all caliber .50 weapons
65,000 psi, max. avg.
2108 - 62 grs.
999 -11 grs.
18.5 grs. - Styphnate Cloride
WC 860
Double Base, Spheroida/
240 grs.
Stannic stained case
Cartridge, Cal .50, Incendiary, Ml
Weapon: Gun, Machine, Caliber .50,
Browning, M2, Heavy Barrel (Turret
Type); Gun, Machine, Caliber .50,
Browning, M2, Heavy Barrel
(Flexible); Gun, Machine, Caliber .50,
Tank, M85
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Bullet:
Incend.:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant:
Brand:
2950 ±30 fps at 78 feet
54,000 psi, max. avg.
1704 grs. approx.
633 - 26 grs.
34 - 2 grs.
18.5 grs.
WC860
Type: Double Base Spheroidal
Weight: 240 grs.
Point Ident.: Blue tip
Cartridge, Blank, Caliber .50, Ml
Weapon: Gun, Machine, Caliber .50, Browning,
M2, Heavy Barrel (Flexible)
U.S. Military Ammunition (5.56 to 20mm)
Ballistic Perf.:
Cartridge:
Propellant:
Brand:
Weight:
Type:
Wad:
Primer, Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Ident.:
None
891 grs. approx.
WC-150
46 grs.
Double Base, Spheroidal
1.5 grs. approx.-Fiberlic No. 2
Kraft board, or equal (commercial);
256 grs. approx.—Strawboard
covered with thin red paper (commercial)
18.5 grs. approx.
No bullet-mouth sealed with vermilion
lacquered wad
Cartridge, Cal .50, Armor Piercing, M2
Weapon: Gun, Machine, Caliber .50, Browning,
M2, Heavy Barrel (Turret Type); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Browning, M2,
Heavy Barrel (Flexible); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Tank, M85
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
2810 ±fps at 78 feet
53,000 psi, max. avg.
10.0"mean radius max. avg. at 600 yards
1812 - 73 grs.
850 - 80 grs.
708 - 22 grs.
18.5 grs. approx.
WC 860
Double Base
Spherodial
235 grs.
Black tip
IMR 5010
Single Base
Tubular
235 grs.
Weapon:
Cartridge:
Ident.:
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
Cartridge, Dummy, Cal. 50, M2
All Caliber .50 Weapons—for training
personnel and testing weapon mechanism
1215 - 60 grs. (GMCS Bullet Jacket);
1248 - 60 grs. (GM Bullet Jacket)
Three holes in case, no primer
Cartridge, Caliber .50, Ball, M2
Gun, Machine, Caliber .50, Browning,
M2, Heavy Barrel (Turret Type); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Browning, M2,
Heavy Barrel (Flexible)
2810 ±0 fps at 78 feet
55,000 psi, max. avg.
9" mean radius max. avg. at 600 yards
1813 - 73 grs.
850 - 50 grs.
709.5 - 22 grs.
18.5 grs.
WC 860
Double Base, Spheroidal
235 grs.
Plain tip
Cartridge, Cal .50, Armor Piercing Incendiary, M8
Weapon: Gun, Machine, Caliber .50, Browning,
M2, Heavy Barrel (Turret Type); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Browning, M2,
Heavy Barrel (Flexible); Gun, Machine,
Caliber .50, Tank, M85
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity: 2910 ±30 fps at 78 feet
Pressure: 55,000 psi, max. avg.
Accuracy: 12"mean radius max. avg. at 600 yards
8th Edition 455
Chapter 17
Incen. FI.:
Penetrat.:
Cartridge:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
Incendiary flash must be capable of
initiating combustion of flammable liquids
Bullet or core must completely
perforate ?/"" armor plate at 100 yards
1764.5 - 78.5 grs.
662.5 - 27 grs.
18.5 grs. approx.
WC 860
Double Base
Spheroidal
233 grs.
Aluminum
IMR 5010
Single Base
Tubular
233 grs.
Cartridge, Armor Piercing Incendiary,
Cal .50, M8, Steel Case
Same as Cartridge, Cal .50, Armor-Piercing
Incendiary, M8 except:
Case: Steel, 800 - 50 grs.
Cartridge, Cal .50, Tracer, M10
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Gun, Machine, Caliber .50, Browning,
M2 Heavy Barrel (Turret Type); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Browning, M2
Heavy Barrel (Flexible); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Tank, M85
Velocity:
2860 ±40 fps at 78 feet
Pressure:
54,000 psi, max. avg.
Trace:
Bright trace from 225 to 1600 yards
Cartridge:
1752 - 68 grs.
Bullet:
643 -17 grs.
Tracer:
65 grs.
Ignit.:
Primer Perc.:
11 grs.
Prim. Wt:
Propellant:
18.5 grs.
Brand:
IMR 5010
Type:
Single Base, Tubular
Weight:
240 grs.
Point Ident.:
Orange tip
Cartridge, Cal .50, Tracer, Ml 7
Weapon:
Gun, Machine, Caliber .50, Browning,
M2 Heavy Barrel (Turret Type); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Browning, M2
Heavy Barrel (Flexible); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Tank, M85
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
2860 ±40 fps at 78 feet
Pressure:
54,000 psi, max. avg.
Trace:
Bright trace from 100 to 1600 yards
Cartridge:
1737 - 68 grs.
Bullet:
643 -17 grs.
Ignit.:
11 grs.
Tracer:
40 grs.
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
18.5 grs.
Propellant:
Brand:
IMR 5010
Type:
Single Base, Tubular
Weight:
225 grs.
Point Ident.:
Brown tip
Cartridge, Cal .50, Armor-Piercing,
Incendiary, Tracer, M20
Weapon: Gun, Machine, Caliber .50, Browning,
M2 Heavy Barrel (Turret Type); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Browning, M2
Heavy Barrel (Flexible); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Tank, M85
Ballistic Perf.:
Pressure: 55,000 psi
Incend. FI.: Incendiary flash must be capable of
initiating combustion of flammable liquids
Penetra.:
Trace:
Cartridge:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
Bullet or core must completely
penetrate 7 /s> // armor plate at 100 yards
Must exhibit visible trace from 100 to
1600 yards
1718 - 76.5 grs.
619 - 25 grs.
18.5 grs.
IMR 5010
Single Base, Tubular
230 grs.
Red tip, aluminum
Cartridge, Armor Piercing Incendiary,
Tracer Cal .50, M20, Steel Case
Same as Cartridge, Cal .50, Armor-Piercing,
Incindiary, Tracer, M20 except:
Case: Steel, 800 - 50 grs.
Cartridge, Cal .50, Tracer, Headlight, M21
Weapon: Gun, Machine, Caliber .50, Browning,
M2 Heavy Barrel (Turret Type); Gun,
Machine, Cal .50, Browning, M2
Heavy Barrel (Flexible); Gun,
Machine, Cal .50, Tank, M85
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Trace:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
2840 ±40 fps at 78 feet
55,000 psi, max. avg.
Bright trace from 200 to 500 yards
1808 - 68 grs. (with gilding metal
jacket bullet) 1775 - 68 grs. (with
gilding metal clad steel jacket bullet)
850-50grs.
699 -17 grs. (with gilding metal
jacket); 666 -17 grs. (with gilding
metal clad steel jacket)
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
18.5 grs. approx.
IMR 5010
Single Base, Tubular
240 grs.
Red tip
Cartridge, Cal .50, Incendiary, M23
Weapon: Gun, Machine, Caliber .50 Browning,
M2 Heavy Barrel (Turret Type); Gun,
Machine, Cal .50, Browning, M2
Heavy Barrel (Flexible); Gun,
Machine, Cal .50, Tank, M85
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Incend. FI.
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Incen.:
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant;
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
3400 ±30 fps at 78 feet
58,000 psi, max. avg.
Incendiary flash must be capable of
initiating combustion of flammable liquids
1581 grs. approx.
850 - 50 grs.
512 - 24 grs.
90 grs. Max.
18.5 grs. approx.
IMR 4831
Single Base, Tubular
237 grs. approx.
Medium blue tip,
slight blue annulus
Cartridge, Cal .50, Ball, M33
Weapon: Gun, Machine, Caliber .50 Browning,
M2, Heavy Barrel (Turret Type); Gun
Machine, Caliber .50, Browning, M2,
HeavyBarrel (Flexible); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Tank, M85
456 Cartridges of the World
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
2910 30 fps at 78 feet
Pressure:
55,000 psi, max. avg.
Cartridge:
1762.5 - 76.5 grs.
Case
850 - 50grs.
Bullet:
661.5 - 25 grs.
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
18.5 grs.
Propellant:
Brand:
WC860
IMR5010
Type:
Double Base
Single Base
Spheroidal
Tubular
Weight:
235 grs.
235 grs.
Ident.:
Plain tip
Cartridge, Cal .50, Spotter-Tracer, M48
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Accuracy:
Trace:
Pressure:
Spotting:
Cartridge:
Bullet:
Primer M26:
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.
Rifle, Spotting, Caliber .50, M8C
1850 20 fps at 78 feet
10" mean radius at 600 yards
Bright trace from 100 to 1500 yards
35,000 psi max. avg.
Must flash and produce smoke upon impact
1651 grs.
827 -18 grs.
18.5 grs. approx.
IMR 4831
Single Base, Tubular
120 grs.
Yellow tip, red annulus
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Trace:
Pressure
Impact:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Primer Wt:
Propellant:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.
Cartridge, Cal .50, Spotter-Tracer, M48A1
Rifle, Spotting, Caliber .50, M8C
1745 20 fps at 78 feet
Bright trace from 100 to 1500 yards
38,000 psi max. avg.
Must flash and produce smoke upon
impact against steel plate at 175 yards
1744 - 71 grs. (with GMCS flash tube
or steel flash tube), 1714-71 grs.
(with A1—alloy flash tube)
740 - 50 grs.
827 -18 grs.
18.5 grs. approx.
Single Base, Tubular
110 grs.
Yellow tip, red annulus
Cartridge, Cal .50, Spotter-Tracer, M48A2
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant:
Type:
Point Ident.:
Rifle, Spotting, Caliber .50, M8C
1745 20 fps at 78 feet
38,000 psi max. avg.
1744 - 71 grs. (with GMCS flash tube
or steel flash tube); 1714 - 71 grs.
(with A1—alloy flash tube)
740 - 50 grs.
828 -18 grs.
18.5 grs. approx.
110 grs. approx.
Single Base, Tubular
Yellow tip, red annulus
Dummy Cartridge, Cal .50, Inert Loaded, XM176
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Cartridge:
Bullet:
Primer:
All caliber .50 weapons
None
1752 - 82 grs.
661.5 - 27 grs.
No primer
U.S. Military Ammunition (5.56 to 20mm)
Inert Prop. Sodium Carbonate—Monohydrate, 5 grs.
Ident.: Cartridge coated with black chemical finish
Cartridge, Cal .50, Practice, T249E2
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant;
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Point Ident.:
Rifle, Spotting, Caliber .50, M8C
1745 20 fps at 78 feet
38,000 max. avg.
5" mean radius at 600 yards
1738 - 61 grs. (with GMCS or steel
flash tube); 1708 - 61 grs. (with Al—
alloy Flash Tube)
817 4 grs.
18.5 grs. approx.
IMR 7383
Single Base, Tubular
110 grs. approx.
Green tip
Cartridge, Cal .50, Armor Piercing Incendiary, T49
Weapon: Gun, Machine, Caliber .50, Browning,
M2 Heavy Bane] (Turret Type); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Browning, M2,
Heavy Barrel (Flexible); Gun,
Machine, Caliber .50, Tank, M85
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Prim. Wt:
Propellant:
Brand:
3400 30 fps at 78 feet
58,000 psi, max. avg.
10" mean radius at 600 yards
1597 grs. approx.
501 grs.
18.5 grs.
WC 860
Weight: 252 grs.
Type: Double Base, Spheroidal
Point Ident.: Blue tip, silver annulus
Cartridge,
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Pressure
Cartridge:
Case:
Bullet:
Primer Perc.:
Primer Wt:
Propellant:
Brand:
Type:
Weight:
Ident.:
Caliber .50, Test, High Pressure, T251
Rifle, Spotting, Caliber .50, M8C
55,000 psi, max. avg.
1902 - 50 grs.
740 - 50 grs.
999-11 grs.
18.5 grs. approx.
IMR 4831
Single Base Tubular
142 grs.
Stannic Stained Case
20 MM AMMUNITION
Dummy Cartridge, Caliber 20mm, M51A1B1
Weapon: Guns, Automatic, 20mm, M39, M61,
XM168 and GAU-4 (XM130)
Requmts:
Cartridge:
Bullet:
Ident.:
Projectile extraction: The cartridge
assembly shall withstand a 3900
pound tension force without
separation of the projectile from the
cartridge case.
3850 grains, min.
Steel, 1520 30 grains
Cartridge chromate finish, marking
opaque, color black
Cartridge, 20mm Armor Piercing Incendiary Tracer, M52E1
(USAF)
Weapon: Gun, Automatic, 20mm, M39, M61
and GAU-4 (XM130)
8th Edition 457
Chapter 17
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Prim. Elec:
Propellant:
Projectile:
Blank:
Ident.:
(Single shot—test barrel)
3380 ±50 fps at 78 feet
Not to exceed 60,500 psi
15 inches mean radius—600 yards
3900 grains approx.
M103, Brass
22 grs.
WC 870, weight to meet ballistic
requirements
1530 grains approx. Rotating
133 grains approx. Gilding Metal
Projectile black and red—marking
opaque; color Orange
Cartridge, 20mm, Armor Piercing Incendiary, M53 (USAF)
Weapon: Guns, Automatic, 20mm, M39, M61
and GAU-4 (XM 130)
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Prim. Elec:
Propellant:
Projectile:
Blank:
Nose:
Ident.:
Single shot—test barrel
3380 "50 fps at 78 feet
Not to exceed 60,500 psi
15 inches mean radius max. avg. at 600 yards
3980 grains approx.
2150 grs.
22 grs.
WC 870, weight to meet ballistic
requirements
1540 35 grs. Rotating
133 grains approx., Gilding Metal
100 grains approx., Aluminum Alloy
Projectile black and band, red
marking, opaque color red
Cartridge, 20mm, High Pressure Test, M54A1 (USAF)
Weapon: For use in Proofing Guns, Automatic,
20mm, M39, M61, XM168 and GAU-4
(XM130)
Ballistic Perf.:
Pressure: Shall equal or exceed 62,500 psi and
shall not exceed 72,500 psi
Cartridge: 4392 grains approx.
Case: M103, Brass, 2150 grs.
Prim. Elec.: 22 grs.
Propellant: WC 870 or IMR 7013. Weight to meet
ballistic requirements
Projectile: 1965 10 grains
Ident.: Projectile, Purple marking, black opaque
Cartridge, 20mm, Target Practice, M55A2 (USAF)
Weapon: Guns, Automatic, 20mm, M39, M61,
and XM168 and GAU-4 (XM130)
Ballistic Perf.: (Single shot-test barrel)
Velocity: 3380 ±50 fps at 78 feet
Pressure: Not to exceed 60,500 psi
Accuracy: 15 inches mean radius, max. avg. at
600 yards
Cartridge: 3935 grains approx.
Case: 2150 grs.
Prim. Elec.: 22 grs.
Propellant: WC 870, weight to meet ballistic requirements
Projectile: 1521 30 grs.
Ident.: Projectile, Blue, opaque black marking
Cartridge, 20mm, High Explosive Incendiary, M6A3 (USAF)
Weapon: Guns, Automatic, 20mm, M39, M61,
and GAU-4 (XM130)
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Function:
Cartridge:
Case:
Prim. Elec.:
Propellant:
(Single shot—test barrel)
3380 "50 fps at 78 feet
Not to exceed 60,500 psi
15 inches mean radius at 600 yards
The projectile shall function with high
order detonation upon impact.
2965 grs. approx.
Brass, 2150 grs.
22 grs.
WC 870, weight to meet ballistic
requirements
Projectile:
Charged Proj.:
Charge:
Rotating
Blank:
Ident.:
Cartridge, 20mm,
Weapon:
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Function:
Cartridge:
Case:
Prim. Elec.:
Propellant:
Projectile:
Fuze:
Ident.:
1565 grs. approx.
1230 grs.approx.
165 grs. min.
133 grs. approx. (Gilding Metal)
Projectile-yellow—black opaque
marking
High Explosive Incendiary, M97A2 (USAF)
Guns, Automatic, 20mm, M24 and M24A1
(Single shot—test barrel)
2680 ±50 fps at 78 feet
Shall not exceed 51,000 psi
15 inches mean radius at 600 yards
Projectile shall detonate high order on
impact with the target plate.
4000 grs. approx.
Brass, 1520 grs.
22 grs.
IMR 7013, WC 875-weight to meet
ballistic requirements
HEI-2000 40 grs.
Point Detonating
Projectile yellow, marking black opaque
Cartridge, 20mm, Target Practice, M99A1 (USAF)
Weapon: Guns, Automatic, 20mm, M24 and
M24A1
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Prim. Elec.:
Projectile:
Ident.:
(Single shot—test barrel)
2680 ±50 fps at 78 feet
Shall not exceed 51,000 psi
15 inches mean radius at 600 yards
4000 grs. approx.
Brass, 1520 grs.
22 grs.
2000 35 grs.
Projectile blue, marking black opaque
Cartridge, 20mm, Target Practice, M204
Weapon: Gun, Automatic, 20mm, M3
Ballistic Perf.: (Single shot—test barrel)
Velocity: 2680 ±50 fps at 78 feet
Pressure: Shall not exceed 51,000 psi
Accuracy: 15 inches mean radius at 600 yards
Cartridge: 4000 grs. approx.
Case: Brass, 1520 grs.
Prim. Perc.: 26 grs.
Propellant: 4814, IMR 7013 or WC 875—Weight
to meet ballistic requirements
Projectile: TP, M99A1—2000 - 35 grs.
Ident.: Projectile blue, marking black opaque
Cartridge, 20mm, Target Practice—Tracer, M206
Weapon: Gun, 20mm, Automatic Gas Operated,
Manual or Electric Fired, M139
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Case:
Primed:
Primer Perc.:
Propellant:
Projectile:
Ident.:
3460 ±50 fps at muzzle
49,500 psi max. avg.
317 Grams approx.
134 5.8 Grams, Steel
145 Grams
10 Grams
50 Grams, approx.
120 2 Grams
Projectile blue, red Ts, black letters
Cartridge, 20mm, Target Practice—Tracer, M206E1
Weapon: Gun, 20mm, Automatic Gas
Operated, Manual or Electric Fired,
M139
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Primer Perc.:
Ident.:
3460 ±50 fps
49,500 psi max. avg.
29 grs.
Projectile blue, red Ts, black letters
458 Cartridges of the World
Cartridge, 20mm, High Explosive Incendiary M210
Weapon: Gun, Automatic, 20mm, M3
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity: 2680 ±50 fps at 78 ft.
Pressure: Shall not exceed 51,000 psi
Cartridge: 4000 grains approx.
Case: Brass—1520 grs.
Primer Perc.: 26 grs.
Propellant: IMR 7013,4815 or WC 875; Weight
to meet ballistic requirements
Projectile: 2000 40 grains
Cartridge, 20mm, Armor Piercing Incendiary—
Tracer, M601
Weapon: Gun, 20mm, Automatic, Gas operated, Man
ual or Electric Fired, M139
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Case:
Primed:
Primer Perc.
Propellant:
Projectile:
Ident.:
3610 ±50 fps
49,500 psi max. avg.
310 grains
134 5.8 Grams, Steel
145 Grams
10 Grams
53 Grams, approx.
Ill 2 Grams
Projectile black, orange Ts, red tip
and white letters
Cartridge, 20mm, Armor Piercing Incendiary—
Tracer, M601E1
Weapon: Gun, 20mm, Automatic, Gas
operated, Manual or Electric Fired,
M139
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Primer Perc.:
Propellant:
Projectile:
Ident.:
3610 ±50 fps
49,500 psi max. avg.
29 grs.
To meet ballistic requirements
112.5 Grams
Projectile black, orange Ts, red tip
and white letters
U.S. Military Ammunition (5.56 to 20mm)
Cartridge, 20mm, Dummy, MK103 Mod O (USN)
Inert round. Has empty primer pocket and holes
in case; or when made up from rejected service case,
has primer pocket plugged with brass or empty
primer cup staked with three equally spaced crimps.
Case may be empty or loaded with inert material.
Projectile is usually brass or bronze plated.
Cartridge, 20mm, Target Practice, MK105 Mod O (USN)
Weapon: Guns, Automatic, 20mm, MK11 and
MK12
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Prim. Elec.:
Propellant:
Projectile:
Ident.:
(Single shot—test barrel)
3350 fps at muzzle
60,000 psi
15 inch mean radius at 600 yards
4285 50 grs.
1880 grs. (Steel) 20mm, MK5 Mod O
22 grs., MK47 Mod O
Tubular or ball, nitrocellulose, 650 grs.
approx.
1700 grs., inert
Green or blue projectile with black
lettering or blue projectile with brown
nose and black lettering
Cartridge, 20mm, High Explosive Incendiary
MK106ModOand1 (USN)
Weapon: Guns, Automatic, 20mm, MK11 and
MK12
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Prim. Elec.:
Propellant:
Projectile:
Ident.:
(Single shot—test barrel)
3350 fps at muzzle
60,000 psi
15-inch mean radius at 600 yards
4285 50 grs.
1880 grs. (Steel) 20mm, MK5 Mod O
22 grs., MK47 Mod O
Tubular or ball, nitrocellulose, 650 grs.
approx.
1700 50 grs., Impact detonating
Unpainted fuze, red and yellow
projectile
Cartridge, 20mm, High Pressure Test, MK101
Mod O (USN)
Weapon: Gun, 20mm, chambered to fire MK100
series 20mm ammunition
Ballistic Perf.:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Case:
Prim. Elec.:
Propellant:
Projectile:
Ident.:
Not to exceed 72,500 psi
4285 50 grs.
1880 grs. (Steel)
22 grs.
Tubular or ball, nitrocellulose, weight
to meet ballistic requirements
1700 grs., inert
Green or blue projectile with brown
nose and V/'black letters reading
“High Pressure Test Round”
Cartridge, 20mm, Low Pressure Test, MK102
Mod O (USN)
Weapon: Gun, 20mm, chambered to fire MK100
series ammunition
Ballistic Perf.:
Pressure:
Cartridge:
Case:
Prim. Elec.:
Propellant:
Projectile:
Ident.:
4285 50 grs.
1880 grs. (Steel)
22 grs.
Tubular or ball, nitrocellulose, weight
to meet ballistic requirements
1700 grs., inert
Blue or green projectile with brown
nose and 1 /4 / 'black letters reading
“Low Pressure Test Round”
Cartridge, 20mm, Armor Piercing-Incendiary,
MK107 Mod O (USN)
Weapon: Guns, Automatic, 20mm, MK11 and
MK12
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Prim. Elec.:
Projectile:
Ident.:
(Single shot—test barrel)
3350 fps at muzzle
60,000 psi
15 inch mean radius at 600 yards
4285 50 grs.
1880 grs. (Steel) 20mm, MK5 Mod O
22 grs., MK47 Mod O
1700 50 grs.
No fuze. Nose of projectile blue or
brown with red band. Body of
projectile black with white lettering
Cartridge, 20mm, Armor Piercing-Tracer,
MK108 Mod O (USN)
Weapon: Guns, Automatic, 20mm, MK11 and
MK12
Ballistic Perf.:
Velocity:
Pressure:
Accuracy:
Cartridge:
Case:
Projectile:
Ident.:
(Single shot—test barrel)
3350 fps at muzzle
60,000 psi
15 inch mean radius at 600 yards
4285 50 grs.
1880 grs. (Steel) 20mm, MK5 Mod O
1700 50 grs.
No fuze. Hollow windshield. Brown or
yellow nose, black projectile body with
white lettering
8th Edition 459
Chapter 17
Designation Description
Ml
Ml
Ml
Ml
Ml
Ml
Ml
Ml
Ml El
M1911
M1911
Ml 909
M1921
M2
M2
M2
M2
M2
M2
M3
M3
M6
M7
M8
M8E1
M9
M10
M10E1
M12
M13
M14
M14A1
M15
M16
M17
M18
M19
M20
M21
M22
M23
M24
M25
M26
M27
M32
M33
M33E1
M33E2
M35
M39
M40
M41
M48
M48A1
M48A1E1
M51
M51E3
M51E5
M51E6
M52
M53
M54
M55
M56
M58
M59
M60
M61
M62
M62
Cartridge, Ball, Carbine, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Blank, Caliber .50 (T40)
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Test, High Pressure, Caliber .50
Cartridge Test, High Pressure, Caliber .45
Cartridge Test, High Pressure, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 (AN-MI)
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .50 (Ml
loaded to 3100 f/s)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .45
Cartridge, Ball, Match Grade, Caliber .45
Cartridge, Blank, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .45
Cartridge, AP, Caliber .50
Cartridge, AP, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .50 (AN-M2)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30
Cartridge Dummy, Caliber .50
Cartridge, 12 Gage
Cartridge, Grenade, Rifle, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Igniter, Caliber .38 (for Igniter,
Grenade, Frangible M3
Cartridge, Grenade Carbine, Caliber .30 (T6)
Cartridge, Grenade, Auxiliary (T18)
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .50 (T16)
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing Incendiary,
Caliber .50, Loaded with Double Base Pow¬
der to a Higher Velocity
Cartridge, Blank, Caliber .45 (T31)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 (T12)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50, Loaded to an
Increased Velocity with Double Base Powder
Cartridge, Shot, Caliber .45 (T23)
Cartridge, Dummy, Carbine, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Arma-Piercing-incendiary, Caliber .30 (T15)
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary,
Caliber .30 (T15 with T1E48 Bullet)
Cartridge, Shot, Caliber .45 (T29)
Cartridge, Tracer, Carbine, Caliber .30 (T24)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 (T9)
Cartridge, High Pressure Test, Carbine,
Caliber .30 (T27)
Shell, Shot Gun (All Brass), 12 Gage - 00 Buck
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-T ra¬
cer, Caliber .50 (T28)
Cartridge, Tracer, Headlight, Caliber .50 (T1E1)
Cartridge, Ball, Frangible, Caliber .30 (T44)
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .50 (T48)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .22, Long Rifle (T42)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .30 (T10)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .45 (T30)
Cartridge, Tracer, Carbine, Caliber .30 (T43)
Cartridge, Blank, Line Throwing, Caliber .45 (T124)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .50 (T122)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .50
Shell, Shot Gun .410(7135)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .22 (Hornet) (T200)
Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .38, Special
Cartridge, Spotter-Tracer, Caliber .50 (T189E1)
Cartridge, Spotter-Tracer, Caliber .50 (T189E3)
Cartridge, Spotter-Tracer
Cartridge, Dummy, 20mm
Cartridge, Dummy, 20mm
Cartridge, Dummy, 20mm (T272E4)
Cartridge, Dummy, 20mm
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing, Incendiary
Tracer, 20mm (T230)
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing Incendiary,
20mm (T221E3)
Cartridge, High Pressure Test, 20mm
Cartridge, Ball, 20mm (T199E1)
Cartridge, High Explosive Incendiary, 20mm(T198E1)
Cartridge, High Explosive Incendiary, 20mm(T241)
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Ball (T104E2)
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, High
Pressure Test(T17E1)
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Armor-Piercing (T93E2)
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Tracer (T102E2)
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Tracer
(Overhead Fire Application)
Designation Description
M63
M64
M65
M72
M80
M80
M80E1
M82
M95
M96
M97E2
M97A1
M99A1
M118
Ml 60
Ml 72
M181
Ml 82
Ml 83
Ml 93
Ml 96
Ml 97
Ml 98
Ml 99
M200
M204
M206E1
M210
M274
M601EI
M855A1
M856A1
M857
M882
M905
M917
M939
M852
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Dummy (T70E5)
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Grenade, Rifle
(T116E1)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .22 Hornet (T200E1)
Cartridge, Match, Caliber .30 (T291)
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Ball, (T233)
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Ball,
(Overhead Fire Application)
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Ball (Canadian Cl)
Cartridge, 7.62mm, NATO, Blank
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing Tracer, 20mm
Cartridge, Incendiary, 20mm
Cartridge, High Explosive Incendiary, 20mm
Cartridge, High Explosive Incendiary, 20mm
Cartridge, Target Practice, 20mm
Cartridge, 7.62 Match
Cartridge, 7.62mm, Ball, Frangible
Cartridge, Dummy, 7.62mm (Inert Loaded)
Cartridge, 14.5mm (with fuze sec) Tracer Low
Charge
Cartridge, 14.5mm (with fuze 6 sec) Used with
M3I Field
Cartridge, 14.5mm (with fuze PD) Used with M31
Field
Cartridge, 5.56mm Ball
Cartridge, 5.56mm Tracer
Cartridge, 5.56mm High Pressure Test
Cartridge, 7.62mm Ball Duplex
Cartridge, Dummy 5.56mm
Cartridge, 5.56mm Blank
Cartridge, 20mm Target Practice
Cartridge, 20mm Target Practice Tracer
Cartridge, 20mm High Explosive Incendiary
Cartridge, 12 Gage Shotgun, No. 4, Hard Chilled
Shot
Cartridge, 20mm Armor Piercing Incendiary
Tracer
Cartridge, 5.56mm, Ball
Cartridge, 5.56mm, Tracer
Cartridge, 5.56mm, Dummy
Cartridge, 9mm, Ball
Cartridge, 9mm, High Pressure Test
Cartridge, 9mm, Dummy
Cartridge, 9mm, Practice Tracer
Cartridge, 7.62mm, Match
EXPERIMENTAL (XM) SERIES
U.S. MILITARY CARTRIDGES
XM75
XM101
XM106
XM107
XM108
XM108E1
XM115
XM142
XM147
XM156
XM157
XM162
XM170
XM171
XM176
XM177
XM178
XM179
XM180
XM192
XM195
XM202
XM205
XM207
XM220
XM232
XM239
XM240
XM242
XM243
XM244
XM246E3
XM254
XM257
Cartridge, Spotter, 10mm
Cartridge, Spotting, 20mm
Cartridge, Practice, 20mm
Cartridge, High Pressure, 20mm
Cartridge, Spotter, 15mm
Cartridge, Spotter, 15mm
Cartridge, 7.62mm, Ball
Cartridge, Caliber .38 Special, Ball
Dummy Cartridge, 20mm
Cartridge, Caliber .50 Spotter-Tracer
Cartridge, Spotter-Tracer, 15mm
Cartridge, 12 Gage Shotgun; Plastic #00 Buckshot
Cartridge, Ball, 15mm
Cartridge, High PresureTest, 15mm
Dummy Cartridge, Cal. .50, Inert Loaded
Dummy Cartridge, 15mm
Cartridge, 7.62mm, Ball, Overhead Fire
Cartridge, 7.62mm, Tracer, Overhead Fire
Cartridge, 7.62mm, Tracer, Overhead Fire
Cartridge, 7.62mm Blank (Short Case)
Cartridge, 5.56mm, Grenade
Cartridge, 8.94mm Select
Cartridge, 20mm High Explosive Incendiary
Cartridge, 20mm Armor Piercing
Cartridge, 20mm Target Practice Tracer
Dummy Cartridge, 5.56mm Inert Loaded
Cartridge, 20mm High Pressure Test
Dummy Cartridge, 20mm
Cartridge, 20mm High Explosive Incendiary Tracer
Cartridge, 20mm High Explosive Incendiary Tracer
Cartridge, 20mm High Explosive Incendiary Tracer
Cartridge, 20mm High Explosive Incendiary Tracer
Dummy Cartridge, 20mm, Plastic
Cartridge, Shotshell, 12 Gage No. 4B Special
460 Cartridges of the World
US. Military Ammunition (5.56 to 20mm)
Designation Description
Designation Description
XM552 Cartridge, 20mm Heat Dual Purpose
XM554 Cartridge, 30mm Practice
XM599 Cartridge, 20mm High Explosive Incendiary Tracer
EXPERIMENTAL (T) SERIES
U.S. MILITARY CARTRIDGES
T1
T1
T1
T1E1
T1E2
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T12
T13
T14
T15
T15E1
T16
TI7
T18
T19
T19E1
T19E2
T19E3
T19E4
T20
T21
T22
T23
T24
T25
T26
T27
T28
T28E1
T29
T30
T31
T32
T32E1
T32E2
T33
T33E1
T34
T35
T35E1
T36
T36E1
T36E2
T36E3
T37
T38
T38E1
T39
T39E1
T39E2
T39E3
T39E4
T39E5
T39E6
T40
T41
T41E1
Cartridge, Explosive, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing, Caliber. 276
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Tracer, Headlight, Caliber .50 (M21)
Cartridge, Tracer, Headlight, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing, Anti-Tank, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Grenade, Carbine, Caliber .30 (M6)
Cartridge, Grenade, Carbine, Caliber .30 (Long Case)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 -1000 yds.
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 - 2500 yds. (Ml7)
Cartridge, Tracer, Night, Caliber .30
(Dim Igniter) (M25)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 (M10)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .30 Delay
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary,
Caliber .30 (Ml 4)
Cartridge, Armor-Piercinglncendiary Caliber .30
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber.50 (M8)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .30 (Clad
Steel Jacketed for Improved Accuracy)
Cartridge, Auxiliary, Grenade (M7)
Cartridge, Explosive, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Explosive, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Explosive, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Explosive, Caliber. 60
Cartridge, Explosive, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 (Spot) 500 yds.
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 (Spot) 1000 yds.
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30 with
Steel Case (M2 Alternate)
Cartridge, Shot, Caliber .45 (Ml2)
Cartridge, Tracer, Carbine, Caliber .30 (Ml 6)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .50 with Steel Case
(M2 Alternate)
Cartridge, Igniter, Caliber .38 (Component
for Igniter, Grenade, Frangible, M3)
Cartridge, Carbine, High Pressure Test,
Caliber .30 (Ml 8)
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-T racer,
Caliber .50 (M20)
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-
Tracer, Caliber .50 (Dim Igniter)
Cartridge, Shot, Caliber .45 (Ml5)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .45 (M26)
Cartridge, Blank, Caliber .45 (M9)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .60-1196 grain bullet
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .60 -1137 grain bullet
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .60
Cartridge, High Pressure Test, Caliber .60
Cartridge, High Pressure Test, Caliber .60
(T33 with M36A1 Primer)
Cartridge, High Explosive Incendiary, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .60 (With #28 Primer)
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .60
(T36E2 with M36A1 Percussion Primer)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 with trajectory to
match 3.5 inch Forward Firing Rocket
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Tracer, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .60
(T39 with M36A1 Percussion Primer)
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary,
Caliber .60
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Blank, Caliber .50 (Ml)
Cartridge, Incendiary, High Velocity, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Incendiary, High Velocity, Caliber .60
T42
T43
T44
T44E1
T45
T45E1
T46
T46E1
T47
T48
T48E1
T48E2
T49
T50
T51
T52
T53
T54
T55
T56
T57
T58
T59
T60
T60E1
T61
T62
T63
T64
T65
T65E1
T65E2
T65E3
T65E4
T66
T67
T68
T69
T70
T70E1
T70E2
T70E3
T70E4
T70E5
T71
T71EI
M72
M72E1
T73
T73E1
T73E2
T74
T75
T76
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .22, Long Rifle
Jacketed Bullet (M24)
Cartridge, Tracer, Carbine, Caliber .30 (M27)
Cartridge, Ball, Frangible, Caliber .30 (M22)
Cartridge, Ball, Frangible, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Tracer, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Tracer, Caliber .60
Cartridge, High Explosive, Incendiary,
Caliber .60
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .50 (500
grain bullet) M23
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .50 (500 grain bullet)
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .50 (500 grain bullet)
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary,
Caliber .50 (500 grain bullet)
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .60 - .50
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .60-.50
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .60 - .50
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Blank, Caliber .50 with Electric Primer
Cartridge, Grenade, Auxiliary, High Pressure Test
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .50
(White Phosphorus Loading)
Cartridge, Carbine, Spotting, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Armor-Pierar^ncendi^ racer, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-Tracer, Cal¬
iber .60 (T60 with M36A1 Percussion Primer)
Cartridge, Antenna Erecting
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing, Carbine, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-
Tracer, Caliber .50 (500 grain) R. V.
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 (Rocket Fire Con¬
trol, 2000 100 yds; Dim 500 yds bright)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30, Short Case
(7.62mm NATO)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30, Short Case
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30 (for Light Rifle)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30 (for Light Rifle)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30, Short Case,
10 Caliber, 145 grain, Minimum Boattail
Cartridge, Incendiary-Tracer, Caliber
.60, Light Weight Bullet, High Velocity
Cartridge, Grenade, Caliber .45
Cartridge, High Explosive Incendiary,
Caliber .60, Light Weight Bullet
Cartridge, Ball, Frangible, Caliber .30
(Carbine Case, Ball Frangible Bullet)
(Velocity 1300 30f/s at 78tt)
Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .30, Short
Case (to match Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30, T65)
Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .30 (FAT1EI
Case, .030 Wall Ball Bullet)
Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .30 (FAT1EI
Case, 020 Wall Ball Bullet)
Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .30 (FAT 1 El
Case and Based Tracer Jacket)
Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .30 (FAT1E3
Case, 20 Wall Ball Bullet)
Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .30 (M63)
Cartridge, Test, High Pressure, Caliber
.30, Short Case (To match Cartridge,
Ball, Caliber .30, T65)
Cartridge, Test, High Pressure, Caliber
.30 (T71 with case, brass, FAT1E3; 183
grains approx.) (M60)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .30 (25 yds
dim igniter trace)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .30
Cartridge, Signal, Caliber .45
Cartridge, Signal, Caliber .45
Cartridge, Signal, Caliber .45
Cartridge, Frangible, Caliber .30, Load¬
ed with SR-4990 Powder (Point Identi¬
fication is Green with Tan Tip)
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary,
Caliber .50/.60 Assembled w/Bullet, Ar¬
mor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .50, T49
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-
Tracer, Caliber .60 with Bright Igniter
8th Edition 461
Chapter 17
Designation Description
T76E1 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-Tracer,
Caliber .60 (T60 with Primer, Percussion,M36A1
T77 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .60
T77E1 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .60 (T77
w/Primer, Percussion, M36A1)
T78 Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .30, Assembled
with Bullet, Incendiary, Caliber .30
T79 Cartridge, Blank, Carbine, Caliber .30
T80 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .60 (T77 Ass¬
embled with M52A3 Electric Primer)
T80E1 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .60 (T77 Ass¬
embled with FAT38 Electric Primer)
T80E2 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .60 (T77E1 with
Cut Cannelure in Sabot)
T81 Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .60 (T36E2 Assem¬
bled w/Remington T41 Electric Primer)
T81 El Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .60 (T36E2 with
Electric Primer, M52A3 and Double Crimp)
T82 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .60
(T39 Assembled with Remington T41 Electric Primer)
T82E1 Cartridge, Arma-Pierang-Incerxiary, Caliber .60
(T39E1 with Electric Primer, M52A3 and Double Crimp)
T83 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-
Tracer, Caliber .60 (T60 Assembled
with Remington T41 Electric Primer)
T83E1 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-
Tracer, Caliber .60 (T60 Assembled
with M52A3 Primer)
T84 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-
Tracer, Caliber .60 (T76 Assembled
with Remington T41 Electric Primer)
T84E1 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-
Tracer, Caliber .60 (T76 Assembled
with Remington T41 Electric Primer)
T85 Cartridge, High Pressure Test, Caliber .60 (T33
Assembled with Remington T41 Electric Primer)
T85E1 Cartridge, High Pressure Test, Caliber .60 (T33
Assembled with Remington T41 Electric Primer)
T86 Cartridge, Lachrymatory, Caliber .50
(T78 Bullet Charged with Ll#2)
T87 Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .50 (T78
Bullet Charged with White Phosphorus)
T88 Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .30 (Pro¬
totype of T87 Charged with White Phosphorus)
T89 Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .30 (Headlight)
T90 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing, Caliber .30 (Short Case)
T91 Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, Caliber .60
T92 Cartridge, Signal, Caliber .45 (National Fireworks)
T92E1 Cartridge, Signal, Caliber .45 (National Fireworks)
T93 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing, Caliber .30
(140-5 grains AP Bullet for Light Rifle)
T93E1 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing, Caliber .30 (T93 with
Case, Brass, 183 grains approx.)
T93E2 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing, Caliber .30
(T93E1 with Bullet, AP, Caliber .30) (M61)
T94 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .50 (Ball M2
w/aluminum case)
T96 Cartridge, Signal, Carbine, Caliber .30 (National
Fireworks)
T97 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary,
Caliber .60 (5.25 radius Ogive)
T98 Cartridge, Tracer, Smoke, Caliber .50
T99 Cartridge, Observing, Caliber .30
T100 Cartridge, Release, Life Vest
T101 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary,
Caliber .30 (Light Rifle)
T101 El Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .30
(T101 w/Case, Brass, 183 grains approx)
T101E2 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .30
(T101E1 with 10 Caliber Ogive Bullet)
T102 Cartridge, T racer, Caliber .30 (Light Rifle)
T102E1 Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .30 (T102
with Case, Brass, 183 grains approx)
T102E2 Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .30 (T102E1
withIO Caliber Ogive Bullet) (M62)
T103 Cartridge, Observing, Caliber .30 (Light Rifle)
T103E1 Cartridge, Observing, Caliber .30 (T103
with Case, Brass, 183 grains approx)
T103E2 Cartridge, Observing, Caliber .30 (T103
with Case, Brass, 183 grains approx)
T104 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30 (Light Rifle)
T104E1 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30 (T104 with
Case, Brass, 183 grains approx)
Designation Description
T104E2 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30 (T104E1
with 10 Caliber Ogive Bullet) (M59)
T106 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .60 (High Velocity)
T107 Cartridge, Multiple Bullet, Caliber .30
T116 Cartridge, Grenade, Rifle, Caliber .30
T116E1 Cartridge, Grenade, Rifle, Caliber .30
T116E2 Cartridge, Grenade, Rifle, Caliber .30
T117 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .35 Pistol
T117E1 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .35 Pistol
T118 Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 (Short Dim Igniter)
T119 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary,
Caliber .30 (Tungsten Carbide Core)
T119E1 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .30
g "119 w/Cast, Brass, FAT 1E2,183gr approx)
artridge, Ball, Caliber .60
T122 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .50 (M33)
T124 Cartridge, Blank, Line Throwing, Caliber .45
T128 Cartridge, Guard, Caliber .30
T130 Cartridge, Practice, 20mm (T118 Gun)
T131 Cartridge, High Pressure Test, 20mm, (T118Gun)
T132 Cartridge, Dummy, 20mm, Inert Loaded
T133 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, 20mm
(Til 8 Gun)
T134 Cartridge, High Explosive, 20mm (T118 Gun)
T135 Shell, Shot Gun, .410 Aluminum Case #6
Shot (M35)
T136 Shell, Shot Gun Slug, .410, 220 Grain Slug
T137 Cartridge, Spotting. Caliber .50 (Winchester
Centrifugal Armed)
T138 Cartridge, Spotting, Caliber .50 (Winchester
Imertia Armed)
T139 Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 (BAT Rifle)
T140 Cartridge, Spotting, Caliber .30 (BAT Rifle)
T142 Cartridge, Practice, 27mm
T143 Cartridge, Dummy, 27mm
T144 Cartridge, High Explosive, 27mm
T145 Cartridge, High Pressure Test, 27mm
T147 Cartridge, Incendiary, 27mm
T148 Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 20mm
(Percussion Primer; 1600 grain shell)
T148E1 Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 20mm
(Percussion Primer; 1600 grain shell)
T149 Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 20mm
(Electric Primer; 1600 grain shell)
T150 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary,
20mm (Percussion Primer; 1600 grain shell)
T150E1 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, 20mm
(Percussion Primer; 1600 grain shell)
T151 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, 20mm
(Electric Primer; 1600 grain shell)
T152 Cartridge, Dummy, 20mm (1600 grain shell)
T53 Cartridge, Practice, 20mm (Percussion
Primer; 1600 grain Projectile)
T153E1 Cartridge, Practice, 20mm (Percussion
Primer; 1600 grain Projectile)
T154 Cartridge, Practice, 20mm (Electric
Primer; 1600 grain shell)
T155 Cartridge, High Pressure Test, 20mm (Percus¬
sion Primer; Modified M99 Projectile)
T155E1 Cartridge, High Pressure Test, 20mm (Percus¬
sion Primer; Modified M99 Projectile)
T156 Cartridge, High Pressure Test, 20mm
(Electric Primer; Modified M99 Projectile)
T158 Cartridge, Practice, 30mm (Velocity 2000 f/s;
4220 grains; HF1070 grains; pressure 40,000 psi
-T121 Gun)
T159 Cartridge, Dummy, 30mm
T160 Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary,
30mm w/Shell, T239E6
T160E1 Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary,
30mm with Shell, T239E7
T161 Cartridge, High Pressure Test, 30mm
T162 Cartridge, Incendiary, 30mm
T163 Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary,
20mm (Length 7.190 in.; T39E3 Projectile)
T164 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, 20mm
T165 Cartridge, Practice, 20mm
T166 Cartridge, Ball, 20mm using T114 Projectile
T167 Cartridge, Test, High Pressure, 20mm
T168 Cartridge, Dummy, 20mm
T169 Cartridge, Test, Low Pressure, 20mm
T170 Cartridge, Warning Flash
T170 Cartridge, Warning Flash
462 Cartridges of the World
U.S. Military Ammunition (5.56 to 20mm)
Designation Description
Designation Description
T170E1
T172
T173
T174
T175
T176
T177
T178
T185
T188
T189
T189E1
T189E2
T189E3
T190
T191
T192
T193
T194
T195
T196
T197
T198
T198E1
T199
T199E1
T200
T200E1
T201
T202
T203
T204
T205
T206
T206E10
T206E11
T206E12
T206E13
T206E14
T207
T208
T221
T221E1
21E2
T221E3
T222
T223
Cartridge, Photoflash
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30 (T65E3 with
172 grain Ml Bullet)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30 (T65E3 with
all-steel serrated bullet)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30 (Standard Caliber .30
Round with all-steel serrated bullet)
Cartridge, Spotting, Caliber .50 (Used
with BAT weapon)
Cartridge, Spotting Caliber .50 (Used
with BAT weapon)
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50 (Used
with BAT weapon)
Cartridge, Practice, Caliber .50 (Used
with BAT weapon)
Cartridge, Bomb Release
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Spotter-Tracer, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Spotter-Tracer, Caliber .50 (M48)
Cartridge, Spotter-Tracer, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Spotter-Tracer Caliber .50 (M48A1)
Cartridge, Spotting, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Spotting, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Tracer, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Practice, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Spotter-Tracer, Caliber .50
Cartridge, Spotter-Tracer, Caliber. 50
Cartridge, Spotter-Tracer, Caliber .50
Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 20mm
Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 20mm (M56)
Cartridge, Practice, 20mm
Cartridge, Practice, 20mm (M55)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .22 (M39)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .22 (M65)
Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Incendiary, Caliber .60
Cartridge, Practice, 30mm
Cartridge, Dummy, 30mm
Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 30mm
Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 30mm
Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 30mm
Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 30mm
Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 30mm
Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 30mm
Cartridge, Test, High Pressure, 30mm
Cartridge, Incendiary, 30mm
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary,
20mm(with anvil)
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary,
20mm (without anvil)
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, 20mm
Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary,
20mm (M53)
Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 30mm
Cartridge, Test, High Pressure, 30mm
T224 Cartridge, Target Practice, 30mm
T225 Cartridge, Dummy, 30mm
T228 Cartridge, Dummy, 20mm (M51)
T230 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-
Tracer, 20mm (M52)
T232 Cartridge, Armor-Piercing-Incendiary-
Tracer, 20mm
T233 Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30 (Light Rifle) (M80)
T239 Cartridge, Ball, 30mm
T239E1 Cartridge, Ball, 30mm
T240 Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 30mm
T241 Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary,
20mm (M58)
T249 Cartridge, Practice, Caliber .50 (Used
w/BAT weapon)
T249E1 Cartridge, Practice, Caliber .50 (Used
w/BAT weapon)
T249E2 Cartridge, Practice, Caliber .50 (Used
w/BAT weapon)
T251 Cartridge, High Pressure Test, Caliber
.50 (Used w/BAT weapon)
T252 Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .50 (Used
w/BAT weapon)
T252E1 Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .50 (Used
w/BAT weapon)
T252E2 Cartridge, Dummy, Caliber .50 (Used
w/BAT weapon)
T253 Cartridge, Test, High Pressure, 30mm
T266 Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 30mm
T267 Cartridge, Test, High Pressure, 30mm
T268 Cartridge, Ball, 30mm
T269 Cartridge, Dummy, 30mm
T270 Cartridge, High Explosive-Incendiary, 30mm
T271 Cartridge, Ball, 9mm
T272 Cartridge, 20mm, Dummy
T272E1 Cartridge, 20mm, Dummy
T272E2 Cartridge, 20mm, Dummy
T272E3 Cartridge, 20mm, Dummy
T272E4 Cartridge, 20mm, Dummy
T275 Cartridge, 7.62mm, Ball, NATO
T275E1 Cartridge, 7.62mm, Ball, NATO
T275E2 Cartridge, 7.62mm, Ball, NATO
T276 Cartridge, Caliber .38, Special
T283 Cartridge, 20mm, Armor-Piercing-Incen-
diary-Tracer
T291 Cartridge, Caliber .30, Match (M72)
T334 Cartridge, Practice, 30mm
MK101 Mod 0 Cartridge, 20mm, High Pressure Test
MK102 Mod 0 Cartridge, 20mm, Low Pressure Test
MK103 Mod 0 Cartridge, 20mm, Dummy
MK105 Mod 0 Cartridge, 20mm, Target Practice
MK106 Mod 0 and Mod 1 Cartridge, 20mm. High
Explosive Incendiary
MK107 Mod 0 Cartridge, 20mm, Armor Piercing-
Incendiary
MK108 Mod 0 Cartridge, 20mm, Armor Piercing-Tracer
8th Edition 463
U.S. MILITARY 30-CALIBER
RIFLES AND CARBINES
CARBINE M 1
Caliber: . . . Carbine .30 MI Length ...
Shot*: .15 Weight:
Action: Ga*—Semi Auto
UNITED STATES
..35l/ 2 *
■ 4 * !*»•
CARBINE M 1 Al
Caliber: . . . .Carbine .30 Ml Length: ..
Shot*: .15 Weight: ..
Action: Ga*—Semi Auto
UNITED STATES
• 351/2*
4l/ 2 lbs.
U. S. CARBINE M 2
Caliber: .30 Ml Weight:
Shots: .30 Length:
Action: Gas—Full and Semi Auto
UNITED STATES
.5 lbs.
35l/ 2 *
464 Cartridges of the World
Chapter 18
CARTRIDGE IDENTIFICATION
BY MEASUREMENT
THE PURPOSE OF this table is to help the cartridge
collector, and other interested persons, to identify
unknown cartridges or cartridge cases, based upon dimen¬
sional information. This chart contains all cartridges
found in this book organized in order of increasing bullet
diameter, then increasing case length. With only minor
variations, these dimensions are constant within any spe¬
cific cartridge type. Once these dimensions are known,
other details will allow identification of the unknown car¬
tridge or case. Those details (rim type, neck diameter,
base diameter, shoulder diameter and cartridge length)
are listed in separate columns.
By measuring and eliminating options, the collector
can rapidly learn the proper name of the cartridge or case
in hand. Once the name is known he can look up the page
or pages where that cartridge is discussed by using the
Index
We will follow a hypothetical identification. We take
the case or cartridge in hand and measure bullet diameter
or case neck internal diameter (assuming a fired case that
is not damaged this will usually be no more than about
0.004" larger than the bullet). This measurement is easily
accomplished to about 0.001" accuracy with a dial caliper.
We look in the third column and find the approximate bul¬
let diameter. This limits our search to a reasonable num¬
ber of cartridges.
Next we note the length of the case, again measured
with sufficient accuracy using a dial caliper. In most
instances this will narrow the search to one or, at most, a
few choices. We will then review rim type and other
aspects of the cartridge’s design in order to eliminate
options. Eventually only one choice remains.
As a specific example of this process, consider the fol¬
lowing. We have a loaded cartridge which has a military
headstamp. The exposed bullet measures about 0.244".
We cannot be certain of exact bullet diameter. Neverthe¬
less, we can narrow our search to those listings with bul¬
lets of 0.243", 0.244" and 0.245"—the bullet is clearly
larger than 0.228" and smaller then 0.249". The case mea¬
sures about 2.35" in length. This narrows our search to
only two possibilities (in this range of bullet diameters)—
6x62mm Freres and 6mm Lee Navy. The base of the case
measures about 0.445". This eliminates the 6x62mm
Freres (0.474"). Further, the rim is about the same diam¬
eter as the base (rimless, case type C). We are satisfied
with our identification—6mm Lee Navy.
8th Edition 465
Chapter 18
RWS/
Case Bullet Case Rim Neck Shoulder Base Ctge. Kynoch
Cartridge
Type
Diam.
Length
Diam.
Diam.
Diam.
Diam.
Length
Twist
Primer
Primer#
2.7mm Kolibri
D
0.107
0.37
0.140
0.139
0.140
0.43
?
B
3mm Kolibri
D
0.120
0.32
0.150
0.150
0.150
0.43
?
B
14-222
C
0.144
1.70
0.375
0.165
0.356
0.375
1.92
10
S
4.25mm Liliput
D
0.167
0.41
0.198
0.198
0.198
0.56
?
B
17 Ackley Bee
A
0.172
1.35
0.408
0.201
0.341
0.350
1.78
10
S
17 Ackley Hornet
A
0.172
1.39
0.345
0.195
0.290
0.295
1.47
10
S
17-222
C
0.172
1.69
0.375
0.199
0.355
0.375
1.82
10-12
S
17 Remington
C
0.172
1.79
0.377
0.198
0.355
0.374
1.86
9
S
4.85 British
C
0.197
1.925
0.376
0.220
0.353
0.375
2.455
?
B
5mm Clement Automatic
C
0.202
0.71
0.281
0.223
0.277
0.281
1.01
?
B
5mm Bergmann
D
0.203
0.59
0.274
0.230
0.273
0.96
?
B
5.45x18mm Soviet
C
0.210
0.700
0.300
0.220
0.300
.98
?
S-B
5.7x28mm FN
C
0.220
1.13
0.310
0.249
0.309
0.310
1.71
?
B
5.45mm Soviet
C
0.221
1.56
0.394
0.246
0.387
0.395
2.22
?
B
5.6x33mm Rook
C
0.222
1.31
0.326
0.248
0.318
0.325
1.62
?
.177
1584
5.6x33Rmm Rook
A
0.222
1.31
0.366
0.248
0.318
0.325
1.64
?
.177
1584
5.6x35Rmm Vierling
A
0.222
1.40
0.297
0.241
0.278
0.300
1.62
16
.177
1584
297/230 Morris Extra Long
A
0.223
1.125
0.248
0.240
0.274
0.296
1.45
22 Remington Jet
A
0.223
1.28
0.440
0.247
0.350
0.376
1.58
10
S
222 Rimmed
A
0.223
1.682
0.462
0.349
0.352
0.374
2.144
14
S
22 Super Jet
A
0.224
1.266
0.440
0.248
0.372
0.379
1.75
16
S
5.7mm MMJ
C
0.224
1.29
0.356
0.253
0.332
0.353
1.65
14
L
218 Mashbum Bee
A
0.224
1.34
0.408
0.241
0.340
0.349
1.75
16
S
224 Harvey Kay-Chuk
A
0.224
1.35
0.347
0.243
0.293
0.294
1.60
10-15
S
218 Harvey Bee
A
0.224
1.35
0.408
0.241
0.331
0.349
1.68
16
s
22 Waldog
C
0.224
1.375
0.441
0.245
0.431
0.440
1.820
14
s
22 Kilbourn Hornet
A
0.224
1.39
0.345
0.242
0.286
0.294
1.70
14-16
s
22 Hornet
A
0.224
1.40
0.345
0.242
0.274
0.294
1.72
16
s
221 Fire Ball
C
0.224
1.40
0.375
0.251
0.355
0.375
1.82
14
s
22 BR Remington
C
0.224
1.502
0.468
0.245
0.450
0.466
2.00
14-16
s
22 PPC
C
0.224
1.52
0.441
0.245
0.430
0.440
1.96
12-14
s
224 R-C Maxi
A
0.224
1.576
0.431
0.252
0.354
0.375
2.048
14
s
2R Lovell
A
0.224
1.63
0.382
0.246
0.295
0.315
1.80
16
s
222 Remington
C
0.224
1.70
0.375
0.253
0.355
0.375
2.15
14
s
219 Donaldson Wasp
A
0.224
1.71
0.497
0.251
0.402
0.418
2.10
14
L
223 Remington
C
0.224
1.76
0.375
0.249
0.349
0.373
2.10
10-12
s
5.56mm NATO
C
0.224
1.76
0.375
0.249
0.349
0.373
2.26
9
Bx
222 Remington Magnum
C
0.224
1.85
0.375
0.253
0.355
0.375
2.21
14
S
22-250 Remington
C
0.224
1.91
0.470
0.254
0.412
0.466
2.33
14
L
224 Weatherby Magnum
E
0.224
1.92
0.425
0.247
0.405
0.413
2.44
14
L
225 Winchester
A
0.224
1.93
0.473
0.260
0.406
0.422
2.50
14
L
226 JDJ
A
0.224
1.93
0.473
0.256
0.410
0.419
—
9
L
5.6x50mm Magnum
C
0.224
1.97
0.376
0.254
0.355
0.375
2.21
13
?
?
5.6x50Rmm Magnum
A
0.224
1.97
?
0.254
0.355
0.375
2.21
13
22 Cheetah
C
0.224
2.00
6.470
0.250
0.451
0.466
2.36
14
S
22-30-30 Improved
A
0.224
2.03
0.502
0.253
0.391
0.422
2.48
14
L
22-303
A
0.224
2.031
0.540
0.254
0.4085
0.455
2.48
14
L
22-243
C
0.224
2.045
0.471
0.260
0.454
0.471
V**
9-14
L
220 Swift
G
0.224
2.20
0.472
0.260
0.402
0.443
2.68
14
L
220 Wotkyns-Wilson Arrow
G
0.224
2.205
0.472
0.261
0.402
0.443
2.70
14
L
220 Weatherby Rocket
G
0.224
2.21
0.472
0.260
0.430
0.443
2.68
14
L
5.6x57mm RWS
C
0.224
2.24
0.470
0.281
0.436
0.469
2.54
10
?
?
5.6x57Rmm RWS
A
0.224
2.24
?
0.281
0.436
0.469
2.54
10
?
297/230 (Morris) Short
A
0.225
0.58
0.347
0.240
0.274
0.294
0.83
?
.177
69
297/230 (Morris) Long
A
0.225
0.80
0.345
0.240
0.274
0.295
1.01
?
.177
69
5.5mm Velo Dog
B
0.225
1.12
0.308
0.248
0.253
1.35
8.2
S-B
224 Clark
C
0.225
2.237
0.470
0.275
0.455
0.471
3.075
9
L
22-15-60 Stevens
B
0.226
2.01
0.342
0.243
0.265
2.26
12
S
5.6x61 mm Vom Hofe (SE)
C
0.227
2.39
0.480
0.259
0.468
0.476
3.13
?
.217
5603
5.6x61 Rmm Vom Hofe
A
0.227
2.39
0.533
0.260
0.470
0.479
3.13
?
.217
5603
22 Extra Long (Maynard)**
B
0.228
1.17
0.310
0.252
0.252
1.41
16
S-O***
22 WCF
A
0.228
1.39
0.342
0.241
0.278
0.295
1.61
16
S
5.6x52Rmm
A
0.228
2.05
0.500
0.252
0.360
0.416
2.51
10i/ 2
.217
5603
22 Savage High Power
A
0.228
2.05
0.500
0.252
0.360
0.416
2.51
10V 2
L
22 Newton
C
0.228
2.23
0.474
0.356
0.420
0.471
2.85
14-16
L
228 Ackley Magnum
C
0.228
2.25
0.473
0.265
0.445
0.470
2.55
12
L
5.6x29.5Rmm Stahl
A
0.243
1.16
0.370
0.262
0.301
0.320
1.44
?
.177
1584
6mm PPC
C
0.243
1.50
0.442
0.260
0.450
0.441
2.12
10-12
S
6mm Bench Rest Remington
C
0.243
1.52
0.468
0.263
0.457
0.466
2.19
12
S
6mm TCU
C
0.243
1.74
0.378
0.265
0.354
0.376
2.25
12
S
6mm-223
C
0.243
1.76
0.378
0.266
0.354
0.376
2.26
10-12
S
6mm SAW
C
0.243
1.779
0.410
0.273
0.382
0.410
2.58
?
Bx
6mm-47mm
C
0.243
1.81
0.373
0.267
0.348
0.372
2.31
12
L
6mm-222 Magnum
C
0.243
1.81
0.373
0.267
0.348
0.372
2.31
12
L
6mm JDJ
A
0.243
1.905
0.470
0.272
0.415
0.421
2.65
V
LR
6mm-250 Walker
C
0.243
1.91
0.470
0.274
0.420
0.468
2.21
12
L
466 Cartridges of the World
Cartridge Identification by Measurement
Cartridge
Case
Type
Bullet
Diam.
Case
Length
Rim
Diam.
Neck
Diam.
Shoulder
Diam.
Base
Diam.
Ctge.
Length
Twist
Primer
RWS/
Kynoch
Primer #
6mm-30-30 Improved
A
0.243
2.03
0.502
0.275
0.392
0.422
2.55
9-10
L
243 Winchester
C
0.243
2.05
0.470
0.276
0.454
0.470
2.71
10
L
6mm Remington
C
0.243
2.23
0.472
0.276
0.429
0.470
2.90
9
L
244 Remington
C
0.243
2.23
0.472
0.276
0.429
0.470
2.825
12
L
6x57mm Mauser
C
0.243
2.23
0.476
0.284
0.420
0.475
2.95
?
.217
5603
244 (6mm) Halger Magnum
A
0.243
2.25
0.519
0.287
0.435
0.467
3.04
?
.217
5603
6x58mm Forster
C
0.243
2.26
0.468
0.285
0.437
0.470
3.08
?
.217
5603
6x58Rmm Forster
A
0.243
2.26
0.532
0.284
0.437
0.471
3.06
?
.217
5603
6x62mm Freres
C
0.243
2.42
0.470
0.271
0.451
0.474
3.13
?
.217
?
6x62Rmm Freres
A
0.243
2.42
?
0.271
0.451
0.474
3.13
?
.217
?
240 Weatherby
E
0.243
2.50
0.473
0.271
0.432
0.453
3.06
10
L
6mm Lee Navy
C
0.244
2.35
0.448
0.278
0.402
0.445
3.11
71/2
L
244 Magnum (H & H)
E
0.244
2.78
0.532
0.263
0.445
0.508
3.55
?
.217
60
240 Magnum Rimless
E
0.245
2.49
0.467
0.274
0.403
0.450
3.21
?
.217
81
240 Magnum Flanged
A
0.245
2.50
0.513
?
0.402
0.448
3.25
?
?
242 Rimless Nitro-Express
C
0.249
2.38
0.465
0.281
0.405
0.465
3.20
?
.217
59
297/250 Rook Rifle
A
0.250
0.82
0.343
0.267
0.294
0.295
1.06
?
.177
69
6.5x40Rmm
B
0.250
1.58
0.451
0.290
0.396
2.07
?
?
?
25 Automatic
D
0.251
0.62
0.298
0.276
0.277
0.91
16
SP
246 Purdey Flanged
A
0.253
2.24
0.544
0.283
0.401
0.474
2.98
?
?
?
242 Rimless
C
0.253
2.38
0.465
0.281
0.405
0.465
3.20
.217
K-59
255 Rook
A
0.255
1.15
0.401
0.274
0.328
0.344
1.43
?
?
?
25 Ackley Krag Short
A
0.257
2.24-2.31
0.540
0.293
0.415
0.457
V**
10
L
25 Ackley Krag Long
A
0.257
2.31
0.540
0.293
0.415
0.457
V
10
L
6.5x27Rmm
A
0.257
1.06
0.428
0.284
0.348
0.379
1.54
?
.177
1584
256 Winchester Magnum
A
0.257
1.30
0.440
0.283
0.370
0.378
1.53
14
SP
25-20 Winchester
A
0.257
1.33
0.405
0.274
0.329
0.349
1.60
13-14
s
25-20 Single Shot
A
0.257
1.63
0.378
0.275
0.296
0.315
1.90
12-15
S
25 Ugalde
C
0.257
1.76
0.375
0.275
0.368
0.373
2.27
10
S
6 JDJ
A
0.257
1.905
0.500
0.288
0.415
0.421
2.81
?
L
257 JDJ
A
0.257
1.905
0.500
0.288
0.415
0.421
2.81
10
L
250/3000 Improved
C
0.257
1.91
0.473
0.284
0.445
0.467
2.52
10
L
250 Savage
C
0.257
1.91
0.470
0.286
0.413
0.468
2.515
14
L
25 Remington
C
0.257
2.04
0.421
0.280
0.355
0.420
2.54
10
L
6.5x52Rmm (25-35 Win.)
A
0.257
2.04
0.506
0.280
0.355
0.420
2.53
8
.217
5603
25-21 Stevens
B
0.257
2.05
0.376
0.280
0.300
2.30
14
s
6.3x53Rmm Finnish
A
0.257
2.09
0.565
0.286
0.463
0.486
2.51
10
?
?
25-36 Marlin
A
0.257
2.12
0.499
0.281
0.358
0.416
2.50
9
S
25/303
A
0.257
2.22
0.541
0.294
0.400
0.455
3.05
10
L
257 Roberts (+P)
C
0.257
2.23
0.473
0.290
0.430
0.468
2.74
10-12
L
257 Improved
C
0.257
2.23
0.474
0.288
0.457
0.471
2.78
10
L
25-25 Stevens
B
0.257
2.37
0.376
0.282
0.323
2.63
14
s
25-06 Remington
C
0.257
2.49
0.471
0.287
0.441
0.470
3.00
10-12
L
257 Weatherby Magnum
E
0.257
2.55
0.530
0.285
0.490
0.511
3.25
12
L
6.5x48Rmm Sauer
B
0.260
1.88
0.495
0.284
0.433
2.43
?
.217
5603
6.5mm Arisaka
G
0.263
2.00
0.471
0.293
0.425
0.455
2.98
7.9
B
6.5x54mm MS
C
0.263
2.09
0.450
0.287
0.424
0.447
3.02
7.8
B/L
5603
6.5x54Rmm MS
A
0.263
2.09
?
0.287
0.424
0.447
3.02
7.8
B
5603
6.5x53.5mm Daudeteau
G
0.263
2.09
0.524
0.298
0.466
0.490
3.02
?
B
?
6.5 Dutch & Romanian
A
0.263
2.10
0.526
0.297
0.423
0.450
3.03
9.8
B
6.5 Remington Magnum
E
0.263
2.17
0.532
0.300
0.493
0.511
2.80
9
L
6.5x55mm Swedish
C
0.2638
2.165
0.479
0.2972
0.435
0.477
3.15
7.87
.217
1680
6.5mm Bergmann
C
0.264
0.87
0.370
0.289
0.325
0.367
1.23
?
B
6.5mm Whisper
c
0.264
1.36
0.375
0.286
0.357
0.372
V
V
SR
6.5mm JDJ
A
0.264
1.93
0.467
0.293
0.410
0.419
V
8-9
LR
6.5 JDJ #2
A
0.264
2.00
0.502
0.292
0.450
0.466
V
9
LR
6.5mm JDJx30
A
0.264
2.03
0.497
0.285
0.409
0.419
V
9
LR
6.5x54mm Mauser
C
0.264
2.12
0.463
0.289
0.432
0.468
2.67
?
.217
5603
6.5mm Remington Magnum
E
0.264
2.17
0.582
0.300
0.490
0.571
2.80
9
L
6.5x57mm Mauser
C
0.264
2.23
0.474
0.292
0.430
0.471
3.16
?
.217
5603
6.5x57Rmm Mauser
A
0.264
2.24
0.521
0.292
0.430
0.470
3.16
?
.217
5603
6.5x58mm Portuguese
C
0.264
2.28
0.465
0.293
0.426
0.468
3.22
7.8
B/.217
5603
6.5x58mm Mauser
C
0.264
2.28
0.465
0.293
0.426
0.468
3.22
?
.217
5603
6.5x58Rmm Krag-Jorgensen
A
0.264
2.29
0.575
0.300
0.460
0.500
3.25
?
.217
5603
6.5x58Rmm Sauer
B
0.264
2.30
0.501
0.291
0.433
3.08
?
.217
5603
6.5x61 mm Mauser
C
0.264
2.40
0.479
0.297
0.452
0.477
3.55
?
.217
5603
6.5x61 Rmm Mauser
A
0.264
2.40
0.532
0.296
0.452
0.477
3.55
?
.217
5603
256 (6.5mm) Newton
C
0.264
2.44
0.473
0.290
0.430
0.469
3.40
io
L
6.5-06 (256/06)
C
0.264
2.50
0.473
0.300
0.439
0.471
2.80
9-10
L
264 Winchester Magnum
E
0.264
2.53
0.532
0.289
0.490
0.515
3.29
9
L
6.5x65mm RWS
C
0.264
2.56
0.470
0.296
0.430
0.474
3.15
?
?
?
6.5x65Rmm RWS
A
0.264
2.56
0.531
0.296
0.430
0.475
3.15
?
?
6.5mm Carcano
C
0.265
2.05
0.448
0.295
0.430
0.445
3.02
19.3-8.3
B
256 Gibbs Magnum
E
0.265
2.17
0.476
0.298
-0.427
0.473
3.05
?
?
?
6.5x68mm Schuler
C
0.265
2.66
0.510
0.295
0.481
0.520
3.27
?
.238
1698
6.5x68Rmm Schuler
A
0.265
2.66
?
0.295
0.481
0.520
3.27
?
.238
1698
8th Edition 467
Chapter 18
RWS/
Cartridge
Case
Type
Bullet
Diam.
Case
Length
Rim
Diam.
Neck
Diam.
Shoulder
Diam.
Base
Diam. 1
Ctge.
Length
Twist
Kynoch
Primer Primer #
26 Rimless (BSA)
c
0.267
2.39
0.530
0.306
.0445
0.513
3.13
?
.217
59
270 Savage
c
0.277
1.88
0.470
0.308
0.450
0.470
2.62
10
L
270 JDJ
A
0.277
1.905
0.467
0.305
0.415
0.421
2.875
7
L
270 Winchester
C
0.277
2.54
0.470
0.307
0.440
0.468
3.28
10
L
270 Weatherby Magnum
E
0.277
2.55
0.530
0.305
0.490
0.511
3.25
12
L
7mm Nambu
C
0.280
0.78
0.359
0.296
0.337
0.351
1.06
12.5
B
280 British
C
0.283
1.71
0.473
0.313
0.448
0.470
2.54
?
B
7x33mm Finnish/SAKO
c
0.284
1.30
0.390
0.307
0.365
0.388
1.73
?
?
?
7mm Whisper
c
0.284
1.36
0.375
0.306
0.357
0.372
V
V
SR
7mm Bench Rest
c
0.284
1.502
0.470
?
?
0.471
?
?
S
7mm TCU
c
0.284
1.74
0.375
0.302
0.350
0.373
2.28
io
S
7 JDJ
A
0.284
1.905
0.473
0.312
0.415
0.421
2.735
?
L
7mm JDJ #2
A
0.284
2.00
0.502
0.313
0.450
0.466
V
9
LR
7mm-30 JDJ
A
0.284
2.03
0.497
0.306
0.409
0.419
V
9
LR
7mm-08 Remington
C
0.284
2.035
0.473
0.315
0.454
0.470
2.80
9
L
7-30 Waters
A
0.284
2.04
0.506
0.306
0.399
0.4215
2.52
9V 2
L
7mm International R
A
0.284
2.04
0.502
0.311
0.402
0.422
2.52
10
L
7mm Shooting Times Easterner
A
0.284
2.10
0.502
0.315
0.353
0.467
2.54
10
L
284 Winchester
1
0.284
2.17
0.470
0.312
0.465
0.495
2.75
10
L
7mm Mauser
C
0.284
2.235
0.474
0.320
0.4294
0.470
3.06
8-10
U. 217
5603
7x57Rmm
A
0.284
2.235
0.521
0.320
0.4294
0.470
3.07
8-10
.217
5603
275 Rigby
C
0.284
2.24
0.475
0.324
0.428
0.474
3.07
?
?
?
276 Enfield
C
0.284
2.35
0.521
0.321
0.460
0.528
3.25
9
B
7x61 Sharpe & Hart Super
E
0.284
2.40
0.532
0.320
0.478
0.515
3.27
12
L
275 No. 2 Magnum (7mm Rigby Mag.)A
0.284
2.49
0.524
0.315
0.406
0.456
3.24
.241
K-34
7mm Remington Magnum
E
0.284
2.50
0.525
0.315
0.490
0.511
3.24
9
L
275 Holland & Holland Magnum
E
0.284
2.50
0.532
0.318
0.375
0.513
3.30
9 V 2
L
275 Flanged Magnum
A
0.284
2.50
0.582
0.318
0.450
0.510
3.26
9 V 2
?
275 Belted Magnum
E
0.284
2.50
0.532
0.325
0.454
0.513
3.30
?
.217
81
7mm Dakota
C
0.284
2.50
0.544
0.314
0.531
0.545
3.33
io
L
7x64mm Brenneke
C
0.284
2.51
0.468
0.305
0.422
0.463
3.21
?
L
7x65Rmm Brenneke
A
0.284
2.53
0.521
0.308
0.422
0.463
3.21
?
?
7 JRS
C
0.284
2.525
0.312
0.454
0.470
3.455
io
L
280 Remington
C
0.284
2.54
0.472
0.315
0.441
0.470
3.33
10 V 2
L
285 OKH
C
0.284
2.55
0.472
0.315
0.442
0.470
3.35
10
L
7mm Weatherby Magnum
E
0.284
2.55
0.530
0.312
0.490
0.511
3.25
12
L
7x66mm Vom Hofe (SE)
C
0.284
2.58
0.510
0.316
0.485
0.543
3.25
?
.217
?
7mm Canadian Magnum
1
0.284
2.83
0.532
0.322
0.530
0.544
3.60
9-12
LR
7x72Rmm
B
0.284
2.84
0.482
0.311
0.425
3.48
?
.217
5603
7mm Shooting Times Westerner E
0.284
2.86
0.530
0.315
0.487
0.508
3.68
io
L
7x73mm Vom Hofe Belted
E
0.284
2.87
0.533
0.315
0.483
0.527
3.88
?
.217
5603
7x75Rmm Vom Hofe (SE)
A
0.284
2.95
0.519
0.318
0.416
0.468
3.68
?
.217
?
276 Pedersen
C
0.285
2.02
0.451
0.314
0.389
0.449
2.85
?
Bx
28-30-120 Stevens
B
0.285
2.51
0.412
0.309
0.357
2.82
i4
L
280 Flanged
A
0.287
2.41
0.607
0.316
0.423
0.535
3.62
?
.217
60
7mm Rigby Magnum
A
0.287
2.49
0.528
0.315
0.406
0.470
3.25
?
?
?
280 Ross
G
0.287
2.59
0.556
0.317
0.404
0.534
3.50
?
.217
59
280 Jeffery
C
0.288
2.46
0.538
0.317
0.504
0.542
3.38
?
.217
59
7.62mm Nagant (Russian)
B
0.295
1.53
0.388
0.286
0.335
1.53
9.5
B
7.35mm Carcano
C
0.298
2.01
0.449
0.323
0.420
0.445
2.98
10
B
300 (295) Rook Rifle
B
0.300
1.17
0.369
0.317
0.319
1.38
?
.177
69
300 Sherwood
B
0.300
1.54
0.370
0.318
0.320
2.02
?
.177
69
7.65mm Roth-Sauer
D
0.301
0.51
0.335
0.332
0.335
0.84
14.2
B
7x60Rmm
A
0.304
2.49
0.607
0.336
0.507
0.517
3.20
?
?
7.62mm Russian Tokarev
C
0.307
0.97
0.390
0.330
0.370
0.380
1.35
?0
B
30 Borchardt
C
0.307
0.99
0.390
0.331
0.370
0.385
1.34
?
S-B
30 (7.65mm) Luger
C
0.308
0.75
0.391
0.322
0.374
0.388
1.15
9.8
S-B
7.63mm (7.65mm) Mannlicher
D
0.308
0.84
0.334
0.331
0.332
1.12
10
B
7.62 Micro-Whisper
C
0.308
0.846
0.392
0.328
0.382
0.389
V
V
SP/SR
7.63 Mini-Whisper
C
0.308
0.985
0.385
0.329
0.375
0.381
V
V
SP/SR
30 (7.63mm) Mauser
C
0.308
0.99
0.390
0.332
0.370
0.381
1.36
7.9
S-B
30 Ml Carbine
D
0.308
1.29
0.360
0.335
0.355
1.65
16
S/Bx
30 Kurz
C
0.308
1.29
0.473
0.334
0.443
0.470
1.65
12
L
300 Whisper
C
0.308
1.50
0.375
0.330
0.369
0.375
2.575
V
SR
308x1.5-Inch
C
0.308
1.50
0.470
0.338
0.450
0.466
2.05
10-12
L
30 Herrett
A
0.308
1.61
0.505
0.329
0.405
0.421
2.01
14
L
30-30 Wesson
A
0.308
1.66
0.440
0.329
0.330
0.380
2.50
12
L
300 Savage
C
0.308
1.87
0.470
0.339
0.4466
0.470
2.62
12
L
7.62x51 NATO
C
0.308
2.015
0.470
0.344
0.454
0.470
2.75
12
Bx
308 Winchester
C
0.308
2.015
0.470
0.344
0.454
0.470
2.75
12
L
307 Winchester
G
0.308
2.015
0.506
0.344
0.454
0.470
2.56
12
L
30 Remington
C
0.308
2.03
0.421
0.328
0.402
0.420
2.54
12
L
30 American
A
0.308
2.03
0.502
0.328
0.402
0.4215
2.53
?
S
7.62x51 Rmm
A
0.308
2.039
0.502
0.328
0.402
0.4215
2.53
?
?
?
30-30 Winchester
A
0.308
2.039
0.502
0.328
0.402
0.4215
2.53
i2
L
30-30 Ackley Improved
A
0.308
2.04
0.502
0.328
0.419
0.4215
2.54
12
L
468 Cartridges of the World
Cartridge Identification by Measurement
RWS/
Case Bullet Case Rim Neck Shoulder Base Ctge. Kynoch
Cartridge
Type
Diam.
Length
Diam.
Diam.
Diam.
Diam.
Length
Twist
Primer Primer #
7.5mm French MAS
c
0.308
2.11
0.482
0.340
0.411
0.480
2.99
10
B
7.5mm Schmidt-Rubin
c
0.308
2.18
0.496
0.334
0.452
0.494
3.05
10.5
B
309 JDJ
A
0.308
2.20
0.514
0.335
0.453
0.470
3.16
10
LR
30-40 Krag
A
0.308
2.31
0.540
0.338
0.419
0.4577
3.089
10
L
30 Flanged Nitro (Purdey)
A
0.308
2.36
0.545
0.338
0.415
0.457
2.97
?
.217
59
30-06 Improved
C
0.308
2.49
0.473
0.340
0.454
0.470
3.35
io
L
7.62x63mm U.S.
C
0.308
2.49
0.473
0.340
0.441
0.470
3.34
10
Bx
5608
30-06 Springfield
C
0.308
2.49
0.473
0.340
0.441
0.470
3.34
10
L
30 Newton
C
0.308
2.52
0.525
0.340
0.491
0.523
3.35
10-12
L
300 Dakota
C
0.308
2.55
0.338
0.531
0.545
3.33
10
L
308 Norma Magnum
E
0.308
2.56
0.529
0.340
0.489
0.514
3.30
10-12
L
300 Winchester Magnum
E
0.308
2.62
0.530
0.334
0.4891
0.5126
3.30
10
L
30R Blaser
A
0.308
2.68
0.531
0.343
0.441
0.480
3.80
?
?
?
300 Weatherby Magnum
E
0.308
2.825
0.530
0.337
0.495
0.5117
3.56
12
L
300 Canadian Magnum
1
0.308
2.83
0.532
0.342
0.530
0.544
3.60
10
LR
300 Belted Magnum (H&H)
E
0.308
2.85
0.530
0.338
0.447
0.513
3.60
10
L/.217
60
300 Holland & Holland Magnum
E
0.308
2.85
0.530
0.338
0.447
0.513
3.60
10
L/.217
60
30 Cody
C
0.308
2.875
0.586
0.34
0.544
0.59
3.67
10
L
30 Flanged Magnum (H&H)
A
0.308
2.94
0.572
0.338
0.450
0.517
3.69
10
.217
60
300 Pegasus
C
0.308
2.99
0.580
0.339
0.566
0.580
3.75
10
LR
35 S&W Automatic
D
0.309
0.67
0.348
0.345
0.346
0.97
12
SP
32 Automatic
H
0.309
0.68
0.354
0.336
0.336
1.03
16
SP
7.65mm MAS (French)
D
0.309
0.78
0.337
0.336
0.337
1.19
?
B
7.62x45mm Czech M52
C
0.309
1.77
0.440
0.334
0.412
0.441
2.36
?
B
32-40 Remington
A
0.309
2.13
0.535
0.330
0.358
0.453
3.25
16
S
7.62mm (M-43) Russian
C
0.310
1.52
0.445
0.340
0.394
0.443
2.20
9.4
B
7.62x39
C
0.310
1.52
0.445
0.340
0.394
0.443
2.20
9.4
B
7.62mm Nagant
A
0.310
2.11
0.564
0.332
0.453
0.484
3.02
9.5
B
7.62x53Rmm Russian
A
0.310
2.11
0.564
0.332
0.453
0.484
3.02
9.5
B
303 Savage
A
0.311
2.15
0.501
0.3322
0.4135
0.439
2.52
12
L
303 British
A
0.311
2.21
0.530
0.337
0.402
0.458
3.05
10
B/L
7.7mm Arisaka
C
0.311
2.28
0.474
0.338
0.431
0.472
3.13
9.8
B
375/303 Westley Richards
A
0.311
2.50
0.505
0.343
0.390
0.457
3.36
32 S&W
B
0.312
0.61
0.375
0.334
0.335
0.92
16-18
SP
32 S&W Long
B
0.312
0.93
0.375
0.335
0.335
1.27
16-18
sp-
32 H&R Magnum
B
0.312
1.08
0.371
0.333
0.333
1.35
16
SP
32-20 Winchester
A
0.312
1.315
0.405
0.326
0.3424
0.353
1.59
20
S
32-30 Remington
A
0.312
1.64
0.437
0.332
0.357
0.378
2.01
16
S
32-35 Stevens & Maynard
B
0.312
1.88
0.503
0.339
\
0.402
2.29
16
S
303 British
A
0.312
2.22
0.540
0.340
0.401
0.460
3.07
?
?
?
303 Magnum
C
0.312
2.34
0.557
0.345
0.462
0.530
3.25
?'
?
?
32 Short & Long Colt
B
0.313
0.92
0.374
0.313
0.318
1.26
16
SP
7.65x53mm Mauser
C
0.313
2.09
0.470
0.338
0.429
0.468
2.95
10
B
32-40 Bullard
A
0.315
1.85
0.510
0.332
0.413
0.453
2.26
16
S
310 Cadet Rifle
B
0.316
1.02
0.405
0.320
0.353
1.59
?
.177
69
8.15x46Rmm
A
0.316
1.82
0.484
0.346
0.378
0.421
2.28
?
.250
1794
8x48Rmm Sauer
B
0.316
1.88
0.500
0.344
0.432
2.58
?
.254
1775
8x51 mm Mauser
C
0.316
1.98
0.467
0.344
0.436
0.467
2.67
?
.217
5603
8x51 Rmm Mauser
A
0.316
1.98
0.515
0.344
0.436
0.467
2.88
?
.217
320 Revolver
B
0.317
0.62
0.350
0.320
0.322
0.90
22
B
32 Long, Center Fire*
B
0.317
0.82
0.369
0.318
0.321
1.35
20
S
7.5mm Swiss Army
B
0.317
0.89
0.407
0.335
0.345
1.29
?
B
32 Extra Long Ballard
B
0.317
1.24
0.369
0.318
0.321
1.80
22
S
8x42Rmm-M/88
A
0.318
1.66
0.525
0.347
0.423
0.468
2.28
?
.217
5603
[8x57Rmm 360
A
0.318
2.24
0.485
0.333
0.375
0.427
2.96
?
?
?
'8x71 mm Peterlongo
C
0.318
2.80
0.468
0.349
0.422
0.462
3.28
?
.216
2610
8x75mm
C
0.318
2.94
0.467
0.345
0.411
0.466
3.50
?
.217
5603
8x75Rmm
A
0.318
2.94
0.522
0.345
0.411
0.466
3.51
?
.217
8mm Nambu
G
0.320
0.86
0.413
0.338
0.388
0.408
1.25
il
B
8mm Rast-Gasser
B
0.320
1.037
0.376
0.332
0.334
1.391
?
?
32 Winchester Self Loading
H
0.320
1.28
0.388
0.343
0.346
1.88
16
S
32 Remington
C
0.320
2.04
0.421
0.344
0.396
0.420
2.57
14
L
32-40 Ballard & Winchester
B
0.320
2.13
0.506
0.338
0.424
2.59
16
L
8x50Rmm Siamese
A
0.321
1.98
0.550
0.347
0.450
0.480
2.97
?
B
32 Winchester Special
A
0.321
2.04
0.506
0.343
0.4014
0.4219
2.565
16
L
8x52Rmm Siamese
A
0.321
2.04
0.550
0.347
0.460
0.500
2.96
?
B-Bx
8x58Rmm Sauer
B
0.322
2.28
0.499
0.345
0.438
3.00
?
0.254
1775
8mm Danish Krag
A
0.322
2.28
0.575
0.355
0.460
0.500
3.20
12
B
8mm Lebel Revolver
B
0.323
1.07
0.400
0.350
0.384
1.44
9.5
B
7.92mm Kurz
C
0.323
1.30
0.470
0.352
0.440
0.470
1.88
10
B
32 Ideal
B
0.323
1.77
0.411
0.344
0.348
2.25
18
S
8mm Austrian
A
0.323
1.98
0.553
0.351
0.462
0.501
3.00
9.8
B
8mm Lebel
A
0.323
1.98
0.621
0.347
0.483
0.536
2.75
9.5
B
8x54mm Krag-Jorgensen
C
0.323
2.12
0.478
0.351
0.435
0.478
2.85
?
.199
1680
8x56mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer C
0.323
2.21
0.470
0.347
0.424
0.465
3.04
?
.217
5603
8mm JDJ
A
0.323
2.22
0.506
0.356
0.455
0.465
V
10
LR
8th Edition 469
Chapter 18
RWS/
Case
Bullet
Case
Rim
Neck
Shoulder
Base
Ctge.
Kynoch
Cartridge
Type
Diam.
Length
Diam.
Diam.
Diam.
Diam.
Length
Twist Primer
Primer U
8mm Mauser
c
0.323
2.24
0.473
0.3493
0.431
0.469
3.25
9-10
B/L/.217 5603
7.9x57JSmm
c
0.323
2.24
0.473
0.349
0.431
0.469
3.25
9-10
B/L/.217 5603
8x57JRSmm Mauser
A
0.323
2.24
0.526
0.349
0.431
0.469
3.55
9-10
.217
8x60Smm Mauser****
C
0.323
2.34
0.468
0.350
0.431
0.470
3.11
?
.217
5603
8x60JRmm Mauser***
A
0.323
2.36
0.524
0.345
0.432
0.466
3.20
8mm-06
C
0.323
2.47
0.473
0.351
0.441
0.470
3.25
9-10
L
8x63mm Swedish
C
0.323
2.48
0.479
0.356
0.456
0.488
3.36
?
B
8x64Smm Brenneke****
C
0.323
2.51
0.469
0.348
0.424
0.468
3.32
?
.217
5603
8x65RSmm Brenneke
A
0.323
2.56
0.520
0.348
0.421
0.464
3.65
?
.217
8x68Smm Magnum
C
0.323
2.65
0.510
0.354
0.473
0.522
3.38
?
0.238
1698
8mm Remington Magnum
E
0.323
2.85
0.530
0.341
0.4868
0.5126
3.60
io
L
310 Cadet
B
0.324
1.12
0.405
0.320
—
0.353
1.72
.177
K-69
8x72Rmm Sauer
B
0.324
2.84
0.483
0.344
0.429
3.40
?
.254
1775
7.5mm Nagant (Swedish)
B
0.325
0.89
0.406
0.328
0.350
1.35
18
B
8x59 Breda
C
0.326
2.33
0.469
0.357
0.433
0.491
3.17
?
B
8mm Guedes M-85
A
0.326
2.34
0.620
0.354
0.490
0.543
3.25
11
B
8mm Roth-Sauer
D
0.329
0.74
0.356
0.353
0.355
1.14
10
B
8mm Murata
A
0.329
2.06
0.558
0.361
0.485
0.492
2.90
?
B
8mm Hungarian M-89
A
0.329
2.20
0.554
0.365
0.473
0.491
3.02
io
B
318 Rimless Nitro-Express
C
0.330
2.38
0.465
0.358
0.445
0.465
3.35
?
.217
81
375/303 Axite
A
0.330
2.47
0.505
0.343
0.390
0.457
3.48
?
?
?
33 Winchester
A
0.333
2.11
0.610
0.365
0.443
0.508
2.80
12
L
333 Rimless Nitro-Express
C
0.333
2.43
0.538
0.359
0.496
0.540
3.50
?
.217
59
333 Jeffery Rimless
C
0.333
2.48
0.538
0.359
0.496
0.540
3.48
.217
K-59
333 OKH
C
0.333
2.49
0.473
0.365
0.443
0.470
3.37
10
L
333 Flanged Jeffrey
A
0.333
2.50
0.625
0.356
0.484
0.530
3.43
?
?
?
334 OKH
E
0.333
2.86
0.530
0.367
0.480
0.513
3.65
io
L
338-223 Straight
D
0.338
1.41
0.378
0.362
0.376
2.25
10
S
338 Whisper
C
0.338
1.47
0.466
0.360
0.457
0.463
V
V
SR
338 KDK
A
0.338
2.20
0.514
0.365
0.453
0.470
V
10
LR
33 (Belted) BSA
E
0.338
2.40
0.527
0.369
0.453
0.534
3.10
?
.217
59
338-06
C
0.338
2.48
0.473
0.360
0.440
0.470
3.37
io
L
338 Winchester Magnum
E
0.338
2.50
0.530
0.369
0.491
0.5127
3.34
10
L
330 Dakota
C
0.338
2.57
0.532
0.371
0.530
0.545-
3.32
10
L
338 Lapua Magnum
C
0.338
2.72
0.586
0.365
0.544
0.589
3.68
10
L/Bx
340 Weatherby Magnum
E
0.338
2.82
0.530
0.366
0.495
0.513
3.60
12
L
338 Canadian Magnum
1
0.338
2.83
0.532
0.369
0.530
0.544
3.60
10-12
LR
338 A-Square
K
0.338
2.85
0.579
0.367
0.553
0.582
3.67
10
LR
338 Excalibur
C
0.338
2.99
0.580
0.371
0.566
0.580
3.75
10
LR
338/50 Talbot
C
0.338
3.76
0.782
0.380
0.748
0.774
4.25
10
CCI-35
348 Winchester
A
0.348
2.255
0.610
0.3757
0.485
0.553
2.795
12
L
9x71 mm Peterlongo
C
0.350
2.80
0.466
0.386
0.420
0.464
3.26
?
.216
2610
35 Winchester Self Loading
H
0.351
1.14
0.405
0.374
0.378
1.64
i6
S
351 Winchester Self Loading
H
0.351
1.38
0.407
0.374
0.378
1.91
16
S
9mm Ultra
D
0.355
0.72
0.366
0.374
0.386
1.03
?
S-B
9mm Gilsenti
D
0.355
0.75
0.393
0.380
0.392
1.15
io
B
9mm Federal
B
0.355
0.754
0.435
0.382
0.386
1.163
9
S
9mm Luger (+P)
D
0.355
0.754
0.393
0.380
0.392
1.16
9.8
S-B
9mm Browning Long
D
0.355
0.80
0.404
0.376
0.384
1.10
12-16
B
9x21 mm
D
0.355
0.830
0.393
0.380
0.392
1.16
10
S
9mm Action Express
J
0.355
0.866
0.394
0.390
0.433
0.435
1.152
18
S
9mm Steyr
D
0.355
0.90
0.381
0.380
0.380
1.30
?
B
38-45 Hard Head
C
0.355
0.90
0.476
0.381
0.475
0.476
1.20
14
L
9mm Bayard
D
0.355
0.91
0.392
0.375
0.390
1.32
?
B
9mm Mauser
D
0.355
0.981
0.390
0.376
0.389
1.38
i -12
B
9mm Winchester Magnum
D
0.355
1.16
0.394
0.379
0.392
1.545
1-10
SP
380 Automatic
D
0.356
0.68
0.374
0.373
0.373
0.98
12-16
SP
38 Colt Automatic
H
0.356
0.90
0.405
0.382
0.383
1.28
16
SP
38 Super Automatic (+P)
H
0.356
0.90
0.405
0.382
0.383
1.28
16
SP
9x57mm Mauser
C
0.356
2.21
0.468
0.380
0.428
0.467
3.10
?
.217
5603
9x57R Mauser
A
0.515
0.424
3.18
9x56mm Mannlicher
C
0.356
2.22
0.464
0.378
0.408
0.464
3.56
?
.217
5603
357 SIG
C
0.357
0.865
0.424
0.381
0.424
0.425
1.140
i6
S
357 Maximum
B
0.357
1.59
0.433
0.375
—
0.375
1.97
14
S
38 Long Colt
B
0.357
1.03
0.433
0.377
0.378
1.32
16
SP
38 Special
38 Special Match
B
0.357
1.16
0.440
0.379
0.379
1.55
16-18
SP
38 Special+P
357/44 Bain & Davis
A
0.357
1.28
0.515
0.383
0.454
0.455
1.55
14
L
357 Magnum
B
0.357
1.29
0.440
0.379
0.379
1.51
16-18.8
SP
357 Automatic Magnum
C
0.357
1.298
0.473
0.382
0.461
0.470
1.60
18
LP
357 Maximum
B
0.357
1.59
0.433
0.375
0.375
1.97
14
SP
357 Herett
A
0.357
1.75
0.505
0.375
0.405
0.420
2.10
14
L
35-30/30
A
0.357
2.04
0.506
0.378
0.401
0.422
2.55
12-14
L
360 Nitro for Blackpowder (2V 4 ")
B
0.357
2.25
0.480
0.384
0.430
2.63
?
.241
34
9x63mm
C
0.357
2.48
0.468
0.384
0.427
0.467
3.28
?
.217
5603
470 Cartridges of the World
Cartridge Identification by Measurement
Cartridge
Case
Type
Bullet
Diam.
Case
Length
Rim
Diam.
Neck
Diam.
Shoulder Base
Diam. Diam.
Ctge.
Length
Twist
Primer
RWS/
Kynoch
Primer #
400/350 Rigby
A
0.357
2.75
0.520
0.380
0.415
0.470
3.55
?
.241
34
9x70Rmm Mauser
A
0.357
2.76
0.525
0.385
0.418
0.467
3.37
?
?
?
350 Griffin & Howe Magnum
E
0.357
2.848
0.528
0.382
0.446
0.511
3.64
12-16
L
38 Automatic & Super Automatic
H
0.358
0.90
0.405
0.382
0.383
1.28
16
s
35 Remington
C
0.358
1.92
0.460
0.384
0.4259
0.4574
2.52
16
L
358 Winchester
C
0.358
2.015
0.473
0.386
0.454
0.4703
2.78
12
L
356 Winchester
G
0.358
2.015
0.508
0.388
0.454
0.4703
2.56
12
L
350 Remington Magnum
E
0.358
2.17
0.532
0.388
0.495
0.512
2.80
16
L
358 JDJ
A
0.358
2.2
0.362
0.453
0.465
3.065
?
L
35 Winchester
A
0.358
2.41
0.539
0.378
0.412
0.457
3.16
12
L
35 Whelen
C
0.358
2.494
0.473
0.388
0.441
0.470
3.34
12-14
L
358 Norma Magnum
E
0.358
2.52
0.526
0.384
0.489
0.508
3.22
12
L
35 Newton
C
0.358
2.52
0.525
0.383
0.498
0.523
3.35
12
L
350 Rigby Magnum
C
0.358
2.75
0.525
0.380
0.443
0.519
3.60
.241
K-34
350 No. 2 Rigby
A
0.358
2.75
0.520
0.380
0.415
0.470
3.60
.241
K-34
400/360 Nitro Exp. (2?U")
A
0.358
2.75
0.590
0.375
0.437
0.470
3.59
.241
358 Shooting Times Alaskan
E
0.358
2.855
0.484
0.500
0.532
3.655
14
L
38S&W
B
0.359
0.78
0.433
0.386
0.386
1.20
16-18
SP
35-30 Maynard 1882
B
0.359
1.63
0.494
0.395
0.400
2.03
16-18
s
35-40 Maynard
B
0.360
2.06
0.492
0.390
0.400
2.53
16-18
s
35-40 Maynard 1873
B
0.360
2.10
0.764
0.390
0.403
2.57
16-18
B-1
360 No. 5 Rook
B
0.362
1.05
0.432
0.375
0.380
1.35
?
?
?
9mm Makarov
D
0.363
0.71
0.396
0.384
0.389
0.97
?
B
38-45 Stevens
B
0.363
1.76
0.522
0.395
0.455
2.24
t6-18
s
35-30 Maynard 1873
B
0.364
1.63
0.765
0.397
0.403
2.10
16-18
B-1
9.3x53mm Swiss
C
0.365
2.11
0.491
0.389
0.453
0.492
2.80
?
?
?
9.3x53Rmm Swiss
A
0.563
0.391
0.455
0.494
2.83
9.3x57mm Mauser
C
0.365
2.24
0.469
0.389
0.428
0.468
3.23
?
.217
5603
360 Express (2V 4 '0
B
0.365
2.25
0.480
0.384
_
0.430
3.00
.241
K-34
360 Nitro (2V 4 ")
B
0.365
2.25
0.480
0.384
—
0.430
2.80
.241
K-34
9.3x62mm Mauser
C
0.365
2.42
0.470
0.388
0.447
0.473
3.29
?
.217
5603
9.3x64mm Brenneke
C
0.365
2.52
0.492
0.391
0.475
0.504
3.43
?
.217
5603
« 9.3x72Rmm Sauer
A
0.365
2.83
0.518
0.390
0.422
0.473
3.34
?
.254
1775
9.3x74Rmm
A
0.365
2.93
0.524
0.387
0.414
0.465
3.74
?
.217
5603
9.3x80Rmm
B
0.365
3.14
0.485
0.386
0.430
3.50
?
.254
1775
9.3x82Rmm
B
0.365
3.21
0.485
0.386
0.430
3.72
?
.254
1775
9.3mm JDJ
A
0.366
2.22
0.506
0.389
0.455
0.465
V
12
LR
360 No. 2 Nitro-Express (274")
B
0.367
2.25
0.480
0.384
0.430
2.98
?
.241
34
9.3x65Rmm Collath
A
0.367
2.56
0.508
0.384
0.420
0.443
3.01
?
?
?
400/360 Westley Richards NE
A
0.367
2.73
0.572
0.375
0.437
0.483
3.44
?
?
?
350 Rimless Magnum (Rigby)
C
0.367
2.74
0.525
0.380
0.443
0.519
3.57
?
.241
34
360 Nitro-Express No. 2
A
0.367
3.00
0.631
0.393
0.517
0.539
3.85
?
.254
40
9.3x53Rmm Hebler
A
0.369
2.12
0.550
0.398
0.462
0.484
2.92
?
?
?
35-30 Maynard 1865
B
0.370
1.53
0.771
0.397
0.408
1.98
16-18
Internal
400/375 Nitro Express (H&H)
E
0.371
2.47
0.466
0.397
0.435
0.465
3.00
?
?
?
38-40 Remington
B
0.372
1.77
0.537
0.395
0.454
2.32
16
s
38-45 Bullard
A
0.373
1.80
0.526
0.397
0.448
0.454
2.26
16-18
s
9.1x40Rmm
B
0.374
1.60
0.446
0.385
0.404
2.00
?
?
?
380 Short
B
0.375
0.600
0.430
0.379
_
0.380
1.11
_
380 Revolver
B
0.375
0.70
0.426
0.377
0.380
1.10
15
S-B
38 Long, Center Fire*
B
0.375
1.03
0.441
0.378
0.379
1.45
36
s
38-35 Stevens
B
0.375
1.62
0.492
0.402
0.403
2.43
?
s
38 Extra Long, Ballard*
B
0.375
1.63
0.441
0.378
0.379
2.06
36
s
9.5x47Rmm
A
0.375
1.85
0.583
0.409
0.497
0.513
2.37
?
.254
1775
38-50 Maynard 1882
B
0.375
1.97
0.500
0.415
0.421
2.38
?
s
375 Winchester
B
0.375
2.02
0.502
0.400
0.4198
2.56
12
L
375 JDJ
A
0.375
2.2
0.514
0.396
53
0.465
3.13
?
L
375 Rimless Nitro Express (2V 4 ")
C
0.375
2.25
0.468
0.403
0.456
0.468
2.96
?
?
?
9.5x57mm Mannlicher
C
0.375
2.25
0.473
0.400
0.460
0.471
2.94
?
.217
5603
9.5x56mm
C
0.375
2.25
0.473
0.400
0.460
0.471
2.94
?
.217
5603
400/375 Belted Nitro Express (H&H) E
0.375
2.50
0.466
0.397
0.435
0.470
3.00
.217
375 Flanged Nitro ( 2 V 2 ")
B
0.375
2.50
0.523
0.397
0.456
3.10
?
.217
34
375 Whelen
C
0.375
2.50
0.473
0.403
0.442
0.470
3.42
12
L
375 Dakota
C
0.375
2.57
0.532
0.402
0.529
0.545
3.32
10
L
369 Purdey
A
0.375
2.69
0.616
0.398
0.475
0.543
3.59
?
.254
40
375 Canadian Magnum
1
0.375
2.83
0.532
0.402
0.530
0.544
3.60
io
LR
375 JRS
E
0.375
2.84
0.532
0.498
0.485
0.535
3.69
12
L
375 Holland & Holland Magnum
E
0.375
2.85
0.530
0.402
0.4478
0.5121
3.60
12
L/.217
40
375 Belted Magnum
E
0.375
2.85
0.530
0.404
0.440
0.464
3.60
.217
60
375 Rimless NE
375 Weatherby Magnum
E
0.375
2.86
0.530
0.403
0.495
0.513
3.69
12
L
9.5x73mm Miller Greiss Magnum
C
0.375
2.86
0.541
0.402
0.531
0.543
3.50
?
214
5603
378 Weatherby Magnum
E
0.375
2.92
0.580
0.403
0.560
0.584
3.69
12
L
375 Flanged Magnum
A
0.375
2.94
0.572
0.404
0.450
0.502
3.69
380 Long Rifle
B
0.376
1.01
0.435
0.379
0.380
1.33
?
.177
69
9.3x48Rmm
B
0.376
1.89
0.492
0.382
0.433
2.35
?
.254
1775
8th Edition 471
Chapter 18
Cartridge
Case
Type
Bullet
Diam.
Case
Length
Rim
Diam.
Neck Shoulder
Diam. Diam.
Base
Diam.
Ctge.
Length
Twist Primer 1
RWS/
Kynoch
Primer #
38-50 Ballard
B
0.376
2.00
0.502
0.395
0.425
2.72
20
S
38-56 Winchester
A
0.376
2.10
0.606
0.403
0.447
0.506
2.50
20
L
38-50 Remington
B
0.376
2.23
0.535
0.392
0.454
3.07
16
S
9.3x57Rmm
B
0.376
2.24
0.486
0.389
0.428
2.80
?
.254
1775
9.3x70Rmm
B
0.376
2.75
0.482
0.387
0.427
3.45
?
.254
1775
* 9.3x72Rmm
B
0.376
2.84
0.482
0.385
0.427
3.27
?
.254
1775
38-90 Winchester Express
A
0.376
3.25
0.558
0.395
0.470
0.477
3.70
26
L
9.8mm Automatic Colt
D
0.378
0.912
0.405
0.404
0.404
1.267
?
SP
38-70 Winchester
A
0.378
2.31
0.600
0.403
0.421
0.506
2.73
24
L
38-72 Winchester
A
0.378
2.58
0.519
0.397
0.427
0.461
3.16
22
L
38-55 Winchester & Ballard
B
0.379
2.085
0.506
0.392
0.3938
0.422
2.51
18
L
41 Long Colt
B
0.386
1.13
0.430
0.404-
0.405
1.39
16
SP
9.5mm Turkish Mauser
A
0.389
2.37
0.612
0.411
0.487
0.511
2.97
20
B
400 Nitro for Blackpowder (3")
B
0.395
3.00
0.522
0.427
0.471
3.56
?
.254
34
40 S&W Automatic
D
0.400
0.850
0.424
0.423
0.423
1.135
16
SP
10mm Automatic
D
0.400
0.99
0.424
0.423
0.423
1.26
16
LP
41 Short Colt
B
0.401
?
0.430
0.404
—
0.405
?
?
S
401 Herter Powermag
B
0.401
1.29
0.483
0.425
0.426
1.64
18
L
38-40 Winchester (WCF)
A
0.401
1.30
0.520
0.416
0.4543
0.465
1.59
36
LP
40-50 Sharps (Necked)
A
0.403
1.72
0.580
0.424
0.489
0.501
2.37
18-20
B-1
40-50 Sharps (Straight)
B
0.403
1.88
0.554
0.421
0.454
2.63
18
B-1
40-60 Marlin
B
0.403
2.11
0.604
0.425
0.504
2.55
20
S
40-70 Sharps (Necked)
A
0.403
2.25
0.595
0.426
0.500
0.503
3.02
18-20
L
40-63 (40-70) Ballard
B
0.403
2.38
0.555
0.430
0.471
2.55
20
S
40-65 Ballard
B
0.403
2.38
0.600
0.435
0.508
2.55
18-20
B-1
10.15mm Jarmann
A
0.403
2.40
0.615
0.430
0.540
0.548
3.06
22
B
40-70 Sharps (Straight)
B
0.403
2.50
0.533
0.420
0.453
3.18
18-20
L
40-90 Sharps (Necked)
A
0.403
2.63
0.602
0.435
0.500
0.506
3.44
18-20
B-1
40-85 (40-90) Ballard
B
0.403
2.94
0.545
0.425
0.477
3.81
18-20
S
40-90 Sharps (Straight)
B
0.403
3.25
0.546
0.425
0.477
4.06
18
B-1
40-110 Winchester Express
A
0.403
3.25
0.651
0.428
0.485
0.543
3.63
28
L
40-60 Winchester
A
0.404
1.87
0.630
0.425
0.445
0.506
2.10
40
S
10.25x69Rmm Hunting-Express A
0.404
2.72
0.630
0.415
0.480
0.549
3.17
?
.254
1775
40-70 Remington
A
0.405
2.25
0.595
0.434
0.500
0.503
3.00
18-20
L
40-70 Winchester
A
0.405
2.40
0.604
0.430
0.496
0.504
2.85
20
L
400 Whelen
C
0.405
2.49
0.473
0.436
0.462
0.470
3.10
16
L
400 Purdey (3")
B
0.405
3.00
0.516
0.427
—
0.469
3.60
.241
K-34
450/400 Nitro Express (3V 4 ")
A
0.405
3.25
0.615
0.432
0.502
0.544
3.85
?
.254
40
401 Winchester SL
H
0.406
1.50
0.457
0.428
0.429
2.00
14
L
40-65 Winchester
B
0.406
2.10
0.604
0.423
0.504
2.48
20-26
L
40-75/82 Winchester
A
0.406
2.40
0.604
0.428
0.448
0.502
2.77
28
L
40-72 Winchester
B
0.406
2.60
0.518
0.431
0.460
3.15
22
L
450/400 (2 3 / 8 ")
A
0.407
2.38
0.616
0.427
0.456
0.545
2.95
—
—
40-70 Peabody
A
0.408
1.76
0.662
0.428
0.551
0.581
2.85
18
L
40-90 Peabody
A
0.408
2.00
0.659
0.433
0.546
0.586
3.37
?
B-1
450/400 Nitro (3")
A
0.408
3.00
0.613
0.434
0.518
0.545
3.75
?
.254
40
41 Action Express
J
0.410
0.866
0.394
0.434
—
0.435
1.17
16-18
S
41 Remington Magnum
B
0.410
1.28
0.488
0.432
—
0.433
1.58
18
L
400 Jeffery (450/400 3")
A
0.410
3.00
0.613
0.434
0.518
0.545
3.75
.254
K-40
411 JDJ
A
0.411
2.235
0.506
0.425
0.455
0.465
V
14
LR
10.15mm Serbian Mauser
A
0.411
2.46
0.592
0.433
0.515
0.520
3.13
22
B
405 Winchester
B
0.412
2.58
0.543
0.436
0.461
3.18
14
L
40-90 Bullard
A
0.413
2.04
0.622
0.430
0.551
0.569
2.55
18
L
40-75 Bullard
B
0.413
2.09
0.606
0.432
0.505
2.54
20
S
10.4mm Swiss Vetterli
A
0.415
1.60
0.630
0.437
0.518
0.540
2.20
26
B-RF
40-40 Maynard 1882
B
0.415
1.78
0.532
0.450
0.456
2.32
18-20
S
10.3x60Rmm Swiss
A
0.415
2.36
0.619
0.440
0.498
0.547
3.08
?
?
?
416 Barnes
A
0.416
2.112
0.608
0.432
0.484
0.505
2.95
14
L
416 JDJ
A
0.416
2.22
0.506
0.430
0.455
0.465
V
14
LR
416 Taylor
E
0.416
2.50
0.533
0.440
0.489
0.512
3.33
14-16
L
416 Howell
C
0.416
2.5
0.444
0.515
0.545
3.25
12
L
416 Rem. Magnum
E
0.416
2.85
0.530
0.447
0.487
0.509
3.60
14
L
416 Hoffman
E
0.416
2.85
0.530
0.446
0.491
0.513
3.372
14-16
L
416 Dakota
C
0.416
2.85
0.441
0.527
0.545
3.645
10
L
416 Rigby
C
0.416
2.90
0.586
0.4461
0.5402
0.589
3.75
16V 2
LV?
?
416 Weatherby Magnum
E
0.416
2.915
0.580
0.444
0.561
0.582
3.75
14
L
40-60 Maynard 1882
B
0.417
2.20
0.533
0.448
0.454
2.75
18-20
S
40-70 Maynard 1882
B
0.417
2.42
0.535
0.450
0.451
2.88
18-20
B-1
44 Evans Short
B
0.419
0.99
0.513
0.439
0.440
1.44
36
S
44 Evans Long
B
0.419
1.54
0.509
0.434
0.449
2.00
36
L
10.5x47Rmm
A
0.419
1.85
0.591
0.445
0.496
0.513
2.40
?
.254
1775
404 Rimless Nitro
C
0.421
2.86
0.537
0.450
0.520
0.544
3.53
?
.217
81
404 Jeffery (10.75x73mm)
C
0.421
2.86
0.537
0.450
0.520
0.544
3.53
?
.217
10.75x73mm
C
0.421
2.86
0.537
0.450
0.520
0.544
3.53
?
.217
9
10.4mm Italian
B
0.422
0.89
0.505
0.444
0.451
1.25
io
B
40-40 Maynard 1873
B
0.422
1.84
0.743
0.450
0.460
2.34
18-20
B-1
472 Cartridges of the World
Cartridge Identification by Measurement
RWS/
Cartridge
Case
Type
Bullet
Diam.
Case
Length
Rim
Diam.
Neck
Diam.
Shoulder
Diam.
Base
Diam.
Ctge.
Length
Twist
Primer
Kynoch
Primer#
40-70 Maynard 1873
B
0.422
2.45
0.759
0.450
0.451
3.00
18-20
B-1
44 Henry (Center Fire)
B
0.423
0.88
0.523
0.443
0.445
1.36
36
S
40-40 Maynard 1865
B
0.423
1.75
0.766
0.450
0.458
2.24
18-20
Internal
425 Express
E
0.423
2.552
0.532
0.446
0.490
0.513
3.38
14
L
10.3x65Rmm Baenziger
B
0.423
2.56
0.505
0.431
0.462
3.15
?
?
?
10.75x57mm Mannlicher
C
0.424
2.24
0.468
0.448
0.465
0.468
3.05
?
?
?
10.75x63mm Mauser
1
0.424
2.47
0.467
0.447
0.479
0.493
3.22
?
?
?
10.75x65Rmm Collath
B
0.424
2.56
0.542
0.451
0.487
3.02
?
?
?
10.75x68 Mauser
C
0.424
2.67
0.488
0.445
0.470
0.492
3.16
?
.217
5603
44-40 Winchester
A
0.427
1.31
0.525
0.443
0.4568
0.471
1.592
20-36
LP
44-40 Extra Long
A
0.428
1.58
0.515
0.442
0.463
0.468
1.96
36
S
44 S&W Russian
B
0.429
0.97
0.515
0.457
0.457
1.43
20
LP
44 S&W Special
B
0.429
1.16
0.514
0.457
0.457
1.62
20
LP
44 Magnum
B
0.429
1.29
0.514
0.457
0.457
1.61
20
LP
44 Automatic Magnum
D
0.429
1.298
0.472
0.457
0.470
1.60
18-20
LP
444 Marlin
B
0.429
2.225
0.514
0.453
0.4549
0.469
2.57
38
L
10.4mm Italian M-70
A
0.430
1.87
0.634
0.437
0.517
0.540
2.46
26
B
10.75mm Russian Berdan
A
0.430
2.24
0.637
0.449
0.506
0.567
2.95
21
B
11mm Murata
A
0.432
2.36
0.632
0.465
0.526
0.542
3.13
20
B
44 S&W American
B
0.434
0.91
0.506
0.438
0.440
1.44
20
LP
11mm Belgian Albini
A
0.435
2.00
0.678
0.472
0.535
0.580
.6
22
B
425 Westley Richards Magnum
1
0.435
2.64
0.467
0.456
0.540
0.543
3.30
?
?
?
44 Webley
B
0.436
0.69
0.503
0.470
0.472
1.10
20
L-B
11 mm Belgian Comblain
A
0.436
2.10
0.673
0.460
0.532
0.575
2.76
22
B
44 Long Ballard*
B
0.439
1.09
0.506
0.440
0.441
1.65
36
S
44 Extra Long Ballard (CF)*
B
0.439
1.63
0.506
0.441
0.441
2.10
36
S
11.15mm Spanish Rem.
A
0.439
2.25
0.635
0.458
0.512
0.516
2.82
20
B
44 Bull Dog
B
0.440
0.57
0.503
0.470
0.473
0.95
21
S-B
44 Extra Long Wesson*
B
0.440
1.63
0.510
0.441
0.441
2.19
36
S
11.2x60mm Schuler (Mauser)
1
0.440
2.35
0.465
0.465
0.512
0.512
2.86
?
.217
5601
11.2x72mm Schuler (Mauser)
1
0.440
2.80
0.469
0.465
0.510
0.536
3.85
?
.217
5601
10.8x47Rmm Martini Target
A
0.441
1.75
0.591
0.463
0.512
0.516
2.23
?
.254
1775
11.15mm Wemdl M-77
A
0.441
2.27
0.617
0.466
0.536
0.545
3.02
28
B
44-90 Rem, Special (Necked)
A
0.442
2.44
0.628
0.466
0.504
0.506
3.08
?
L
44-90 (44-100) Rem. (Straight)
B
0.442
2.60
0.568
0.465
0.503
3.97
22-30
L
44 Colt
B
0.443
1.10
0.483
0.450
0.456
1.50
16
LP
44-95 Peabody
A
0.443
2.31
0.670
0.465
0.550
0.580
3.32
?
B-1
11.75mm Montenegrin
B
0.445
1.40
0.555
0.472
0.490
1.73
?
B
44-70 Maynard 1882
B
0.445
2.21
0.601
0.466
0.499
2.87
?
B-1
11 mm French Gras
A
0.445
2.34
0.667
0.468
0.531
0.544
3.00
22
B
11x59Rmm Vickers
A
0.445
2.34
0.667
0.468
0.531
0.544
3.00
22
B
44-75 Ballard
B
0.445
2.50
0.603
0.487
0.497
3.00
?
B-2
44-100 Ballard
B
0.445
2.81
0.597
0.485
0.498
3.25
20
L
44-100 Wesson
B
0.445
3.38
0.605
?
0.515
3.85
?
L
44-77 Sharps & Remington
A
0.446
2.25
0.625
0.467
0.502
0.516
3.05
?
L-B-1
11.15mm (43) Mauser
A
0.446
2.37
0.586
0.465
0.510
0.566
3.00
22
B
44-90 (44-100) Sharps 25/ 8 "
A
0.446
2.63
0.625
0.468
0.504
0.517
3.30
?
B-1
44-85 Wesson
B
0.466
2.88
0.605
?
0.515
3.31
?
L
44-60 Sharps & Remington
A
0.447
1.88
0.630
0.464
0.502
0.515
2.55
?
L-B-1
44-60 Peabody 8 Winchester
A
0.447
1.89
0.628
0.464
0.502
0.518
2.56
?
B-1
11.43mm Turkish
A
0.447
2.30
0.668
0.474
0.560
0.582
3.12
22
B
11.43mm Egyptian
A
0.448
1.94
0.668
0.479
0.542
0.581
2.73
20
B
11.4mm Wemdl M-73
B
0.449
1.97
0.571
0.472
0.493
2.55
29
B
44-90/100/110 Maynard 1873
B
0.450
2.88
0.759
0.490
0.497
3.46
?
B-1
11 mm French Ordnance
B
0.451
0.71
0.491
0.449
_
0.460
1.18
16
B
11 mm German Service
B
0.451
0.96
0.509
0.449
—
0.453
1.21
23
B
45 Winchester Magnum
D
0.451
1.198
0.481
0.475
—
0.477
1.55
16
LP
500/450 BP No. 2 Musket
A
0.458
2.36
0.658
0.486
0.535
0.576
2.90
?
?
45 Sharps 2.6"
B
0.451
2.60
0.597
0.489
—
0.500
2.85
18-20
B-1
45 Sharps 2 3 / 4 "
B
0.451
2.75
0.597
0.489
—
0.500
3.00
18-20
B-1
45 Sharps 2 7 / 8 "
B
0.451
2.87
0.597
0.489
—
0.500
3.00
18-20
B-1
11 mm French Ordnance
B
0.451
0.71
0.491
0.449
—
0.460
1.18
16
B
45-120 Sharps (3V 4 ")
B
0.451
3.25
0.597
0.490
0.506
4.16
18
L
45 Webley
B
0.452
0.82
0.504
0.471
0.471
1.15
?
L-B
45 Automatic Short
D
0.452
0.860
0.476
0.476
0.476
1.17
16
LP
45 Automatic-Rim
B
0.452
00.898
0.516
0.472
0.476
1.28
15-16
LP
45 Automatic (+P)
D
0.452
00.898
0.476
0.476
0.476
1.17
16
LP
451 Detonics
D
0.452
0.942
0.476
0.476
0.476
1.17
16
L
45 Colt (Post WW-II)
B
0.452
1.29
0.512
0.476
—
0.480
1.60
16
LP
454 Casull
B
0.452
1.29
0.512
0.476
0.480
1.60
16
L
11 .4mm Brazilian Comblain
A
0.452
2.02
0.682
0.494
0.530
0.588
2.62
22
B
45-100 Remington (Necked)
A
0.452
2.63
0.645
0.490
0.550
0.558
3.26
18-20
L
45 Webley Revolver Mk-ll
B
0.454
0.77
0.535
0.476
0.480
1.23
16-20
L-B
45 S&W Schofield
B
0.454
1.10
0.522
0.477
0.476
1.43
24
LP
45 Colt
B
0.454
1.29
0.512
0.476
0.480
1.60
16
LP
45 Colt (Post WW-II)
0.452
8th Edition 473
Chapter 18
RWS/
Cartridge
Case
Type
Bullet
Diam.
Case
Length
Rim
Diam.
Neck
Diam.
Shoulder
Diam.
Base
Diam.
Ctge.
Length
Twist
Primer
Kynoch
Primer #
45-50 Peabody
A
0.454
1.54
0.634
0.478
0.508
0.516
2.08
?
?
45-60 Winchester
B
0.454
1.89
0.629
0.479
0.508
2.15
20
L
45-75 Winchester
A
0.454
1.89
0.616
0.478
0.547
0.559
2.25
20
L
11.5mm Spanish Reformado
B
0.454
2.26
0.631
0.466
0.525
3.06
20
B
45-100 Ballard
B
0.454
2.81
0.597
0.487
0.498
3.25
20
L
450 Revolver
B
0.455
0.69
0.510
0.475
0.477
1.10
16
L-B
455 Enfield (455 Colt)
B
0.445
0.87
0.530
0.473
0.478
1.35
?
L-B
455 Webley Automatic
H
0.455
0.93
0.500
0.473
0.474
1.23
10
B
577/450 Martini Henry
A
0.455
2.34
0.746
0.487
0.628
0.668
3.12
33
B
500/450 Magnum Nitro-Express
A
0.455
3.25
0.644
0.479
0.500
0.570
3.91
?
.254
40
450 No. 2 Express ( 3 V 2 ")
A
0.455
3.50
0.650
0.477
0.518
0.564
4.28
?
.254
40
45-125 Winchester
A
0.456
3.25
0.601
0.470
0.521
0.533
3.63
36
L
11mm Beaumont M-71
A
0.457
2.04
0.665
0.484
0.528
0.576
2.54
30
B
450/400 Nitro
Express for Blackpowder
A
0.457
2.36
0.615
0.247
0.486
0.544
2.89
?
?
?
458x1 V 2 Barnes
F
0.458
1.50
0.530
0.493
0.509
2.19
16
Bx
45 Silhouette
B
0.458
1.51
0.600
0.477
0.501
1.97
18
L
458 Whisper
F
0.458
1.75
0.525
0.485
—
0.506
V
V
LR
458x2" American
F
0.458
2.00
0.532
0.478
0.508
2.60
14-16
L
45-(2.1") Sharps Straight
B
0.458
2.105
0.608
0.480
0.4813
0.500
2.43
18-22
L
45-70 Government
B
0.458
2.105
0.608
0.480
0.500
2.55
18-22
L
45-70 500 Government
B
0.458
2.105
0.608
0.480
0.500
2.70
18-22
L
45-75 Sharps
B
0.458
2.105
0.608
0.480
0.500
2.90
18-22
L
45-70 Van Choate
B
0.458
2.250
0.608
0.480
0.500 2.91
18-22
L
45-78 Wolcott
B
0.458
2.310
0.608
0.480
0.500
3.19
18-22
L
500/450 No. 2 Musket
A
0.458
2.36
0.658
0.486
0.535
0.576
2.90
45-80 Sharpshooter
B
0.458
2.400
0.608
0.480
0.500
3.25
18-22
L
45-82/85/90 Winchester
B
0.458
2.40
0.597
0.477
0.501
2.88
32
L
458 Winchester Magnum
F
0.458
2.50
0.532
0.4811
0.513
3.34
14-16
L
450 Howell
C
0.458
2.5
0.532
0.480
0.515
0.545
3.25
14
L
460 Short A-Square
K
0.458
2.50
0.579
0.484
0.560
0.582
3.50
10
LR
500/450 No. 1 Express
A
0.458
2.75
0.660
0.485
0.530
0.577
3.25
?
.251
31A
458 Lott
F
0.458
2.80
0.530
0.480
0.513
3.60
14-16
L
450 Ackley Magnum
E
0.458
2.845
0.527
0.478
0.495
0.508
3.685
16
C
450 Watts Magnum
E
0.458
2.85
0.530
0.481
0.513
3.65
14
L
450 Dakota
C
0.458
2.9
0.568
0.485
0.560
0.589
3.74
10
L
460 Weatherby Magnum
E
0.458
2.91
0.580
0.485
0.560
0.584
3.75
14
L
450 Nitro Express (3V 4 ")
B
0.458
3.25
0.626
0.479
0.548
3.85
?
.254
40
500/450 Magnum Express *
A
0.458
3.25
0.644
0.479
0.500
0.570
0.644
3.91
.254
K-40
450 No. 2 Nitro Express (3V 2 ")
A
0.458
3.50
0.650
0.477
0.518
0.564
4.42
.254
K-40
450 Rigby Match
B
0.461
2.40
0.598
0.472
0.507
3.70
?
?
?
11.4mm Danish Remington
B
0.462
2.01
0.579
0.486
0.514
2.45
291/2
B
11.3mm Beaumont M-71/78
A
0.464
1.97
0.666
0.486
0.530
0.581
2.49
29
B
500/465 Nitro-Express
A
0.466
3.24
0.650
0.488
0.524
0.573
3.89
?
.254
40
476 Enfield
B
0.472
0.87
0.530
0.474
0.478
1.33
?
B
475 Ackley OKH
F
0.474
2.739
0.528
0.496
0.508
3.518
16-18
L
475 Wildey
D
0.475
1.295
0.473
0.497
0.500
1.58
?
L
475 Linebaugh
B
0.475
1.50
0.600
0.495
0.501
?
?
L
475 JDJ
B
0.475
2.10
0.604
0.497
—
0.502
V
14
LR
470 Capstick
F
0.475
2.85
0.532
0.499
0.513
3.65
10
LR
475 A&M Magnum
E
0.475
2.90
0.533
0.502
0.560
0.584
3.75
14
L
470 Nitro Express
A
0.475
3.25
0.655
0.504
0.5322
0.572
3.86
?
L
476 Nitro-Express
A
0.476
3.00
0.643
0.508
0.530
0.570
3.77
?
.254
40
475 Nitro-Express
B
0.476
3.30
0.621
0.502
0.545
3.82
?
.254
40
475 No. 2 Nitro-Express
A
0.483
3.49
0.665
0.510
0.547
0.576
4.26
?
.254
40
475 No. 2 Nitro (Jeffery)
A
0.489
3.50
0.666
0.510
0.547
0.576
4.32
?
.254
40
50 Action Express
J
0.500
1.285
0.514
0.540
—
0.547
1.610
?
L
577/500 Magnum Nitro-Express
A
0.500
3.13
0.717
0.526
0.585
0.645
3.74
?
.251
31A
12.17x44R Remington M67
B
0.502
1.73
0.624
0.544
0.546
2.13
?
?
?
505 Gibbs
C
0.505
3.15
0.635
0.530
0.588
0.635
3.85
?
.254
40
500 No. 2 Express (577/500)
A
0.507
2.81
0.726
0.538
0.560
0.641
3.40
?
.251
31A
50 Remington Army
A
0.508
0.875
0.665
0.532
0.564
0.565
1.24
?
LP
577/500 3V8" Nitro Express
A
0.508
3.13
0.717
0.526
0.585
0.645
3.74
.251
K-31A
50-90 Sharps
B
0.509
2.50
0.663
0.528
0.565
3.20
?
L
50-140 (3VO Sharps
B
0.509
3.25
0.665
0.528
0.565
3.94
?
L
50 Action Express
J
0.510
1.285
0.514
0.540
0.547
1.61
?
L
500 Linebaugh
B
0.510
1.405
0.610
0.540
0.553
1.755
?
L
500 Jeffery
1
0.510
2.74
0.578
0.535
0.615
0.620
3.50
?
.254
40
495 A-Square
L
0.510
2.80
0.579
0.542
—
0.582
3.60
10
LR
500 A-Square
K
0.510
2.90
0.579
0.536
0.668
0.582
3.74
10
LR
500 Jeffery (12.70x70 Schuler)
1
0.510
2.94
0.578
0.535
0.615
0.620
3.50
?
.254
2703
12.70x70 Schuler
1
0.510
2.94
0.578
0.535
0.615
0.620
3.50
?
.254
2703
500 Express (3")
B
0.510
3.01
0.660
0.535
—
0.580
3.39
.251
K-31A
500 Nitro (3")
B
0.510
3.01
0.660
0.535
0.580
3.68
?
.251
31A
500 Nitro for Blackpowder (3")
B
0.510
3.01
0.660
0.535
0.580
3.39
?
.251
31A
510 Nitro
B
0.510
3.245
0.665
0.535
0.565
4.185
?
L
474 Cartridges of the World
Cartridge Identification by Measurement
Cartridge
Case
Type
Bullet
Diam.
Length
Rim Neck Shoulder Base Ctge.
Diam. Diam. Diam. Diam. Length
Twist
RWS/
Kynoch
Primer Primer#
50 Browning Machine Gun (BMG) C 0.510 3.91
50-115 Bullard G 0.512 2.19
50-100/105/110 Winchester B 0.512 2.40
50-140 (3V 4 ") Winchester B 0.512 3.25
50-50 Maynard 1882 B 0.513 1.37
50-95 Winchester A 0.513 1.94
50-70 Maynard 1873 B 0.514 1.88
50-70 Government (Musket) B 0.515 1.75
50 Maynard 1865 B 0.520 1.24
55-100 Maynard 1882 B 0.551 1.94
577 (14.7mm) Snider B 0.570 2.00
585 Nyati C/I 0.585 2.79
577 Tyrannosaur C 0.585 2.99
577 Nitro-Express B 0.585 3.00
58 Berdan Musket B 0.589 1.75
600 Nitro Express B 0.622 3.00
700 Nitro Express B 0.700 3.50
70-150 Winchester A 0.705 2.18
0.804
0.619
0.607
0.665
0.661
0.627
0.760
0.660
0.770
0.718
0.747
0.586
0.688
0.748
0.740
0.805
0.890
0.870
0.560
0.547
0.534
0.531
0.535
0.533
0.547
0.535
0.543
0.582
0.602
0.605
0.614
0.608
0.625
0.648
0.728
0.725
0.714
0.577
0.553
0.650
0.673
0.790
0.804
0.585
0.551
0.565
0.563
0.562
0.552
0.565
0.545
0.590
0.660
0.660
0.688
0.660
0.646
0.697
0.780
0.805
5.545
2.56
2.75
3.94
1.91
2.26
2.34
2.25
1.75
2.56
2.45
3.525
3.71
3.70
2.15
3.59
4.20
2.63
16
72
54
?
42
60
42
24-42
42
?
78
?
12
?
68
?
?
?
Bx/CCI-35
L
L
L
L
L
B-1
L
Internal
L
B
L
LR
.254
B-1
.254
?
ll
40
40
?
Notes: Bullet diameter can vary by several thousandths. The sizes listed are those that are most commonly encountered or are as specified in
appropriate standards.
Cartridge length is not a particularly useful measure for identifying cardridges: This often varies widely, depending upon load type and bullet
weight; it can vary between manufacturers; and it can vary with time, standard length from one era might not hold in another. An example is the
45-70 cartndge. 405gr. Loads from the 1870s are about 2.625" long while current standards call for a maximum length of 2.55" Similar exam¬
ples abound.
Rim types (For simplicity the various common rimmed/rimless pairs are listed together but with separate dimension, where variation occurs):
A-Rimless straight; C-Rimless, straight; E-Belted, bottleneck; F-Belted, straight; G-Semi-rimmed, bottleneck; H-Semi-rimmed
straight; l-Rebated, bottleneck; J-Rebated, straight
Twist (standard factory) is given as inches per complete revolution, e.g., 12 means 1 turn in 12" of barrel, etc
Unless otherwise noted all dimensions are in inches. 25.4mm, exactly, equals 1 inch.
Primer. S-Small rifle (1.75") SP-Small pistol (.175") L-Large rifle (.210") LP-Large Pistol (.210") B—Berdan B-1—-Berdan #1 B-2—Berdan #2
Berdan Diameter (inches) and DWM part number are also sometimes given.
Note on Blackpowder primers: Not all companies used the same primer type or size in the same caliber or length case. For example, the 45-70 or
its equivalent was usually loaded with the standard large-rifle diameter primers. However, Marlin’s version used small-rifle diameter primer and
bharps Co., ammunition used Berdan primers. Primer type and size listed is what appears to have been the most general (common'?) size and
type used. '
Finally, earliest loadings for the military and possibly other cartridges used an internal primer and were not reloadable. This practice continued until
about 1877, perhaps later with some manufacturers. In some instances the earliest outside primers were 0.250" in diameter. Some early 30-06
military loading also used a 0.250" primer. It is possible other oddball primer sizes might be encountered, for example, both the 38-40 and the
berCigsToo 0 sometimes been ,oaded with smal1 diameter Boxer primers. Likely this is true of the 44-40 and perhaps many other cham-
Notes on handgun primers: Magnum pistol cartridges are usually loaded with special Magnum primers and the 22 Remington Jet and 256 Win¬
chester are sometimes loaded with Small Rifle primers. The 454 Casull is always loaded with Small Rifle primers. During WWI Frankford Arse¬
nal made 45 Automatic cases with special #70 primers of .204" diameter instead of the standard .210". Recently, at least one foreiqn
manufacturer produced 45 Automatic ammunition using small-pistol primers.
‘Cartridges so marked used an outside lubricated bullet when originally introduced; these bullets were heel-based. The front was about the same
diameter as the outside of the case neck (shell mouth) just like a modern 22 rim fire cartridge. Later, inside-lubricated loadings used an inside
? as ? S2 uth d,ameter bullet: thes © bu,lets usually had a long, hollow base intended to expand to fill the rifling while providing a cleaner to handle
load. (This system was never particularly successful.)
V“Various versions exist, these differ chiefly in length of the case and loaded cartridges.
‘‘Original 22-10-45 Maynard case length was 1.25".
This is a Blackpowder primer smaller than standard small rifle or pistol size. It has not been used or available for decades
““The 8x60mm, 8x60Rmm (dimensionally similar to the 8x60mm Mauser, except for the rim) and 8x64mm Brenneke, are dimensionally the
same as S designated series, shown, excepting use of bullets of .318" diameter.
8th Edition 475
INDEX TO CARTRIDGES
All cartridges found in this 8th edition of Cartridges of the World
are listed below in numerical/alphabetical order with page numbers) of entry.
2.7mm Kolibri Auto 233
3mmKolibri 233
4.25mm Liliput Auto 233
4.85mm British 279
5mm Bergmann 234
5mm Clement Auto 234
5mm Remington Rimfire Magnum 379
5.45x18mm Soviet 234
5.45x39mm Soviet 279
5.5mm Velo Dog Revolver 236
5.56x45mm 19
5.56x45mm NATO 280
5.6x33mmRook 346
5.6x33Rmm Rook 346
5.6x35Rmm 16
5.6x35Rmm Vierling 346
5.6x50mm Magnum 347
5.6x50Rmm Magnum 347
5.6x57mm RWS 347
5.6x57Rmm RWS 347
5.6x61mm Vom Hofe Super Express
348
5.6x61Rmm Vom Hofe Super Express
348
5.7x28mm FN P90 (Belguim) 279
5.7mm MMJ 156
6mm Benchrest Remington 28
6mm International 167
6mm JDJ 203
6mm Lee Navy 100
6mm Lee Navy 280
6mm PPC 27
6mm Remington 30
6mm SAW (U.S.) 280
6mm TCU 166
6mm/30-30 Improved 167
6mm-222 Remington Magnum 166
6mm-223 Remington 165
6mm-250 167
6mm-284 168
6x29.5Rmm Stahl 348
6x45mm 165
6x47mm 166
6x57 Mauser 348
6x58mm Forster 349
6x58Rmm Forster 349
6x62Freres 349
6x62Rmm Freres 349
6.5mm Bergmann 237
6.5mm JDJ 204
6.5mm JDJ #2 205
6.5mm JDJx30 205
6.5mm Remington Magnum 104
6.5mm TCU 172
6.5mm Whisper 204
6.5mm/06 172
6.5-06 Ackley Improved 173
6.5x27Rmm 350
6.5x40Rmm 350
6.5x48Rmm Sauer 351
6.5x50mm Japanese Arisaka 281
6.5x52mm Italian (Mannlicher-Car-
cano) 284
6.5x52Rmm 350
6.5x53.5mm Daudeteau 282, 351
6.5x53Rmm Mannlicher-Schoenauer
(Dutch & Romanian) 282
6.5x53Rmm Russian 350
6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer
(Greek) 281
6.5x54mm Mauser 352
6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser 38, 283
6.5x57mm Mauser 353
6.5x57Rmm Mauser 353
6.5x58mm Portuguese 353
6.5x58mm Portuguese Vergueiro 283
6.5x58Rmm Krag-Jorgensen 352
6.5x58Rmm Portuguese 353
6.5x58Rmm Sauer 351
6.5x61mm Mauser 353
6.5x65mm RWS 352
6.5x65Rmm RWS 352
6.5x68 Schuler 354
6.5x68Rmm 354
7mm Bench Rest Remington 238
7mm Canadian Magnum 209
7mm Dakota 208
7mm Express Remington 47
7mm IHSMA 176
7mm International Rimmed 175
7mm JDJ 206
7mm JDJ #2 207
7mm JRS 208
7mm Mauser 43
7mmNambu 238
7mm Remington Magnum 48
7mm Rigby Magnum Flanged 318
7mm Shooting Times Easterner (STE)
177
7mm Shooting Times Westerner 209
7mm TCU 168,175
7mm Weatherby Magnum 49
7mm Whisper 207
7mm-06 176
7mm-06 Mashbum 176
7mm-08 Remington 44
7mm-30 JDJ 207
7-30 Waters 42
7x33 Finnish 354
7x33 Sako 354
7x57mm 43
7x57mm Mauser 285, 355
7x57Rmm Mauser 355
7x61mm Sharpe & Harte Super 105
7x64mm Brenneke 45, 355
7x65 Brenneke 355
7x66 Vom Hofe Super Express 356
7x72Rmm 354
7x73mm Vom Hofe (Belted) 356
7x75R Vom Hofe Super Express 355
7.35mm Italian Carcano 286
7.5mm Swedish Nagant Revolver 247
7.5mm Swiss Army Revolver 245
7.5x54mm French MAS 287
7.5x55mm Swiss Schmidt-Rubin 289
7.62 Micro Whisper 210
7.62mm Russian Nagant Revolver 239
7.62x25mm Russian Tokarev 240
7.62x39mm Soviet 62, 290, 357
7.62x39mm Soviet M43 290
7.62x45mm Czech M52 290
7.62x51mm NATO 56, 288
476 Cartridges of the World
7.62x51Rmm 52
7.62x53Rmm Russian 291
7.62x63mm 57
7.63 Mini-Whisper 210
7.63mm (7.65) Mannlicher 240
7.65mm MAS (French) 242
7.65mm Roth-Sauer 239
7.65x53mm Mauser (Argentine) 292
7.7x58mm Japanese Arisaka 292
7.9x57mm J and JS 296
7.92mm Mauser 66
7.92x33mm Kurz 294
8mm German Mauser 296
8mm Hungarian M31 298
8mm JDJ 213
8mm Lebel Revolver 247
8mm Mauser 66
8mm Nambu 246
8mm Rast-Gasser 246
8mm Remington Magnum 67
8mm Roth-Steyr 247
8mm-06 182
8x42Rmm 359
8x48Rmm Sauer 358
8x50Rmm Austrian Mannlicher 295
8x50Rmm Lebel 295
8x50Rmm Siamese Mauser (Type 45)
293
8x51mm Mauser 358
8x5 IRmm Mauser 358
8x52Rmm Siamese (Type 66) 293
8x53Rmm Japanese Murata 297
8x54mm Krag-Jorgensen 361
8x56mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer 361
8x56Rmm Austrian 298
8x56Rmm Hungarian Mannlicher 298
8x57 JS 66
8x57Jmm Mauser 359
8x57mml 66
8x57mmJ 66
8x57mmJRS Mauser 361
8x57mmJS Mauser 362
8x57mmS 66
8x57Rmm 360 359
8x58Rmm Danish Krag 294
8x58Rmm Sauer 360
8x59mm Breda 297
8x60 JR Magnum 362
8x60mm Mauser 362
8x60Rmm Guedes M85 Portuguese
297
8x60RS Magnum 362
8x60S Magnum 362
8x63mm Swedish 296
8x64mm Brenneke 363
8x65Rmm Brenneke 363
8x68Smm Magnum 363
8x71mm Peterlongo 360
8x72R Sauer 364
8x75mm 360
8x75Rmm 360
8.15x46Rmm 358
8.58x71mm (Finland) 298
9mm Action Express 185
9mm Bayard Long 250
9mm Browning Long 248
9mm Federal 251
9mmGlisenti 249
9mm Kurz 253
9mmLuger 251
9mm Mauser 252
9mm Russian Makarov 257
9mm Steyr 250
9mm Ultra 248
9mm Winchester Magnum 252
9x17mm 253
9x19 Parabellum 251
9x21mm 249
9x25mm Dillon 185
9x56mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer 364
9x57mm Mauser 365
9x57Rmm Mauser 365
9x63mm 365
9x70Rmm Mauser 365
9x71mm Peterlongo 364
9.1x40Rmm 367
9.3 JDJ 218
9.3x48R 369
9.3x53mm Swiss 366
9.3x53Rmm Swiss 366
9.3x57mm Mauser 366
9.3x57Rmm 369
9.3x62mm Mauser 367
9.3x64mm Brenneke 368
9.3x65Rmm Collath 366
9.3x70Rmm 369
9.3x72Rmm 369
9.3x72Rmm Sauer 366
9.3x74Rmm 367
9.3x80Rmm 369
9.3x82Rmm 369
9.5 Browning Automatic Colt 258
9.5x47Rmm 368
9.5x56mmMS 368
9.5x57mmMS 326
9.5x57mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer
368
9.5x60Rmm Turkish Mauser 299
9.5x73mm Miller-Greiss Magnum 369
9.8 Automatic Colt 258
10mm Automatic 260
10.15x6 IRmm Jarman 299
10.15x63Rmm Serbian Mauser 299
10.25x69Rmm Hunting-Express 369
10.3x60Rmm Swiss 370
10.3x65Rmm Baenziger 370
10.4 Italian Revolver 261
10.4x38Rmm Swiss Vetterli M69/81
300
10.4x47Rmm Italian Vetterli M70 300
10.5x47Rmm 370
10.75x57mm (Mannlicher) 371
10.75x58Rmm Russian Berdan 300
10.75x63mm Mauser 371
10.75x65Rmm Collath 370
10.75x68mm Mauser 372
10.75x73 371
10.8x47Rmm Martini (Target) 373
11mm French Ordnance Revolver 266
11mm German Service Revolver 266
llx50Rmm Belgian AlbiniM67/72 301
llx52Rmm Netherlands Beaumont
M71/78 308
llx53Rmm Belgian Comblain M71
301
11x59mm Vickers 303
Index to Cartridges
llx59Rmm French Gras 303
1 lx60Rmm Japanese Murata 301
11.15x58Rmm (43) Spanish Remington
302
11.15x58Rmm Austrian Wemdl M77
302
11.15x60Rmm (43) Mauser 303
11.2x60 Schuler 372
11.2x60mm Mauser 372
11.2x72mm Mauser 372
11.2x72mm Schuler 372
11.3x33mm Belted 307
11.3x50Rmm Beaumont M71 306
11.4x50Rmm Austrian Wemdl M73
304
11.4x50Rmm Brazilian Comblain M74
305
11.43x50Rmm (.43) Egyptian Reming¬
ton 304
11.43x55Rmm Turkish 304
11.5x57Rmm Spanish Reformado 305
11.7x5 IRmm Danish Remington 307
11.75mm Montenegrin Revolver 266
12.17x44Rmm Remington M67 (Nor¬
way & Sweden) 373
12.5x70mm Schuler 373
12.7x99mm 308
14-222 153
17 Ackley Bee 154
17 Hornet (Ackley) 153
17 Mach IV 154
17 Remington 15
17/222 155
17-223 155
22 Accelerator 26
22 BB Cap 379
22 BR Remington 160
22 CB Cap 379
22 CHeetah 163
22 Extra Long 381
22 Extra Long Centerfire (Maynard)
98
22 Hi-Power 99
22 Hornet 16
22 ILARCO 22 Short Magnum Rimfire
383
22 K-Homet 157
22 Long 380
22 Long Rifle 380
22 Newton 164
22PPC 21
22 Remington Automatic 382
22 Remington Jet 235
22 Savage High-Power 99
22 Short 380
22 Spitfire 381
22 Stinger 381
22 Super Jet 158
22 Super-Max 381
22Varminter 24
22 Viper 381
22 Waldog 160
22 WCF 98
22 Winchester Automatic 382
22 Winchester Centerfire 98
22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire
(WMR) 382
22 Winchester Rimfire (WRF) 382
8th Edition 477
Index to Cartridges
22 Wotkyns Original Swift 24
22 Xpediter 381
22 Yellow Jacket 381
22-15-60 Stevens 97
22-243 Middlestead 163
22-250 Remington 24
22/30-30 Improved 161
22-303 161
25 Ackley Krag 169
25ACP 236
25 Automatic Pistol 236
25 Krag 169
25 Remington 103
25 Short 383
25 Stevens 384
25 Stevens Short 383
25Ugalde 168
25-06 Remington 36
25-20 Marlin 101
25-20 Single Shot 100
25-20 WCF 32
25-20 Winchester 32
25-21 Stevens 101
25-25 Stevens 102
25-35 WCF 33
25-35 Winchester 33
25-36 Marlin 102
25-284 171
25/303 170
26 BSA 317
26 Rimless Belted NE 317
28-30-120 Stevens 106
30 (7.63x25mm) Mauser 241
30 (7.65mm) Borchardt 240
30 (7.65x21mm) Luger 241
30 American 211
30 Army 54
30 Army 288
30 Carbine 51, 287
30 Cody Express 182
30 Flanged Magnum (Holland’s Super
30) 320
30 Government M’06 57
30Herrett 179
30IHSMA 180
30Kurz 177
30 Long 384
30 M-l Carbine 51, 287
30 Newton 107
30 Remington 50
30 Short 384
30 Winchester 52
30RBlaser 357
30-03 Government 107
30-03 Springfield 107
30-06 Ackley Improved 180
30-06 Government 289
30-06 Springfield 57, 289
30-06 U.S. 289
30-30 Ackley Improved 179
30-30 WCF 52
30-30 Wesson 106
30-30 Winchester 52
30-40 Krag 54
30-338 Winchester Magnum 181
30-378 Weatherby 181
32 (7.65mm) Automatic 242
32ACP 242
32 Ballard Extra Long 110
32 Colt 245
32 Colt New Police 243
32 Extra Long 385
32 Extra Short 384
32 H&R Magnum 244
32 Ideal 112
32 Long 385
32 Long (CF) Rifle 110
32 Long Colt 244
32 Long Rifle 385
32 Remington 111
32 Short 385
32 Short Colt 244
32 S&W Gallery 244
32 Smith & Wesson 243
32 Smith & Wesson Long 243
32 Winchester 244
32 Winchester Self-Loading 111
32 Winchester SL 111
32 Winchester Special 65
32 WS 65
32-20 244
32-20 Marlin 109
32-20 WCF 64
32-20 Winchester 64
32-30 Remington 109
32-35 Stevens & Maynard 109
32-40 111
32-40 Ballard 111
32-40 Bullard 110
32-40 Remington 108
32-40 Winchester 111
32-44 Target 243
33 Belted Rimless 323
33 BSA 323
33 Winchester 112
33/280 Jeffery 319
35 Ackley Magnum 188
35 Automatic 241
35 Newton 114
35 Remington 71
35 Smith & Wesson Auto 241
35Whelen 74
35 Winchester 113
35 Winchester Self-Loading 112
35WSL 112
35-30 187
35-30 Maynard (1882) 114
35-30/30 187
35-40 Maynard (1882) 115
38ACP 256
38 Automatic 256
38 Ballard Extra Long 116
38 Colt Lightning 81
38 Colt New Police 257
38 Express 119
38 Extra Long 386
38 Long 386
38 Long, Centerfire 116
38 Short 386
38 Short & Long Colt 253
38 Smith & Wesson 257
38 Smith & Wesson Special 254
38 Super Automatic 256
38 Winchester 259
38-35 Stevens 117
38-40 259
38-40 Remington-Hepbum 115
38-40 WCF 80
38-40 Winchester 80
38-44 High Velocity 254
38-44 Target 254
38-45 Auto 186
38-45 Bullard 116
38-45 Stevens 115
38-50 Ballard 118
38-50 Maynard (1882) 117
38-50 Remington-Hepbum 118
38-55 Ballard 79
38-55 Winchester 79
38-56 Winchester 118
38-70 Winchester 119
38-72 Winchester 119
38-90 Winchester Express 119
40 Express 123
40 Smith & Wesson 259
40-40 Maynard (1882) 127
40-50 Sharps (Necked) 120
40-50 Sharps (Straight) 120
40-60 Marlin 120
40-60 Maynard (1882) 128
40-60 Winchester 123
40-63 Ballard 121
40-65 Ballard Everlasting 121
40-65 Winchester 124
40-70 Ballard 121
40-70 Maynard (1882) 128
40-70 Peabody ‘What Cheer” 126
40-70 Remington 124
40-70 Sharps (Necked) 122
40-70 Sharps (Straight) 121
40-70 Winchester 124
40-72 Winchester 125
40-75 Bullard 127
40-82 Winchester 125
40-85 Ballard 122
40-90 Ballard 122
40-90 Bullard 127
40-90 Peabody “What Cheer” 126
40-90 Sharps (Necked) 123
40-90 Sharps (Straight) 122
40-110 Winchester Express 123
41 Action Express 260
41 Long 387
41 Long Colt 259
41 Remington Magnum 261
41 Short (Derringer) 387
41 Short Colt 258
44 Auto Mag 263
44 Bull Dog 265
44 Colt 265
44 Colt Lightning 129
44 Evans Long 129
44 Evans Short 128
44 Extra Long 388
44 Extra Long Ballard 130
44 Game Getter 129
44 Henry Center Fire Flat 129
44 Henry Flat 388
44 Long 387
44 Long Centerfire (Ballard) 130
44 Remington Magnum 263
44 Short 387
44 Smith & Wesson American 264
44 Smith & Wesson Russian 262
478 Cartridges of the World
Index to Cartridges
44 Smith & Wesson Special 262
44WCF 84
44Webley 264
44 Wesson Extra Long 130
44 Winchester 262
44-40 262
44-40 Extra Long 130
44-40 Marlin 129
44-40 Winchester 84
44-60 Peabody “Creedmoor” 134
44-60 Sharps & Remington (Necked)
134
44-60 Winchester 134
44-70 Maynard (1882) 131
44-75 Ballard Everlasting 132
44-77 Sharps & Remington 133
44-85 Wesson 133
44-90 Remington Special (Necked) 131
44-90 Sharps Necked 134
44-95 Peabody “What Cheer” 131
44-100 Ballard 132
44-100 Remington “Creedmoor” 133
44-100 Sharps 2V 8 " 134
44-100 Wesson 132
44- 105 Sharps Necked 134
45ACP 269
45 Automatic 269
45 Automatic Rim 268
45 Automatic Short 268
45 Colt 271
45 Express 137
45 Government 86
45 S&W Schofield 270
45 Sharps Special 138
45 Silhouette 192
45 Smith & Wesson 270
45Webley 267
45 Winchester Magnum 267
45- 38 Auto Pistol 186
45-38 Clerke 186
45-50 Peabody (Sporting) 135
45-60 Winchester 136
45-70 Government 86
45-70 Sharps 139
45-70 Van Choate 138
45-70-330 86
45-70-350 86
45-70-405 86
45-70-500 86
45-75 Sharps (Straight) 139
45-75 Winchester 136
45-82 Winchester 139
45-85 Winchester 139
45-90 Sharps (Straight) 138
45-90 Winchester 139
45-100 Ballard 137
45-100 Remington (Necked) 135
45-100 Sharps (Straight) 138
45-110 Sharps (Straight) 138
45-120 ( 3 V 4 ") Sharps Straight 135
45-125 ( 3 V 4 ") Sharps Straight 135
45-125 Winchester 137
45-348 Winchester Improved 194
46 Extra Long 389
46 Long 388
46 Short 388
50 Action Express 273
50 BMG 90
50 Browning 308
50 Browning Machine Gun 90
50 Carbine 142
50 Govt. 143
50 Remington (M71 Army) 273
50 Remington Navy 389
50 U.S. Carbine 142
50-50 Maynard (1882) 141
50-70 Gov’t. 309
50-70 Musket 143
50-90 Sharps 140
50-95 Winchester 142
50-95 Winchester Express 142
50-100 Sharps 140
50-100 Winchester 141
50-105 Winchester 141
50-110 Sharps 140
50-110 Winchester 141
50-115 Bullard 141
50-140 Sharps 140
50-140 Winchester Express 140
55- 100 Maynard 143
56- 46 Spencer 389
56-50 Spencer 389
56-52 Spencer
56-56 Spencer
58 Allin
58 Carbine (Berdan) 144
58 Miller
58 U.S. Musket (Berdan) 144
70-150 Winchester 144
218 Bee 17
218 Mashbum Bee 159
219 Dondaldson Wasp 160
219 Zipper 97
220 Swift 25
220 Weatherby Rocket 162
220 Wotkyns-Wilson Arrow 162
221 Fireball 235
222 Remington 18
222 Remington Magnum 20
222 Rimmed 156
223 Remington 19
224 Clark 164
224 Harvey Kay-Chuk 157
224 R-C Maxi 159
224 Weatherby Magnum 23
225 Winchester 22
226 JDJ 203
228 Ackley Magnum 165
240 Holland’s Apex 315
240 Magnum Flanged 315
240 Magnum Rimless 315
240 Weatherby Magnum 31
242 Rimless Nitro Express 315
243 Winchester 29
244 Halger Magnum 349
244 Magnum (H&H) 316
244 Remington 30, 99
246Purdey 316
250 Savage 34
250-3000 Savage 34
250/3000 Ackley Improved 170
255 Jeffery Rook 317
256 Gibbs Magnum 317
256 Mannlicher 317
256 Newton 104
256 Winchester Magnum 103, 237
256/06 172
257 Improved (Ackley) 171
257 JDJ 204
257 Roberts (257 Roberts +P) 35
257 Weatherby Magnum 37
264 Winchester Magnum 39
270IHSMA 174
270 JDJ 206
270 REN 173
270 Savage 174
270 Weatherby Magnum 41
270 Winchester 40
275 Belted Magnum (H&H) 318
275 Flanged Magnum (H&H) 318
275 H&H Magnum 105
275 Holland & Holland Magnum 105
275 No. 2 Magnum 318
275 Rigby (7x57) 318
276 Enfield 285
276 Pedersen 286
280 British 284
280 Flanged 319
280 Jeffery 319
280 Lancaster 319
280 Remington 47
280 Rimless 319
280 Ross 319
284 Winchester 46
285 OKH 176
297/230 Lancaster Sporting 315
297/230 Morris Extra Long 315
297/230 Morris Long 315
297/230 Morris Short 315
297/250 Rook 316
300 (295) Rook 320
300 Belted Rimless Magnum (H&H)
320
300 Canadian Magnum 212
300 Dakota 212
300 H&H Super 58
300 Holland & Holland Magnum 58
300 Pegasus 213
300 Phoenix 211
300 Savage 53
300 Sherwood 320
300 Weatherby Magnum 60
300 Whisper 210
300 Winchester Magnum 59
303 British 63, 291, 321
303 Magnum 321
303 Savage 61
307 Winchester 55
308 Norma Magnum 108
308 Winchester 56
308x1.5" Barnes 178
309 JDJ 211
310 Cadet 322
310 Greener 322
318 Accelerated Express 322
318 Rimless Nitro Express 322
318 Westley Richards 322
320 Revolver 245
330 BSA 323
330 Dakota 215
333 Jeffery Flanged and Rimless 323
333 OKH 183
334 OKH 183
338A-Square 216
8th Edition 479
Index to Cartridges
338 Canadian Magnum 216
338Excalibur 217
338 JDJ 215
338 Lapua Magnum 298
338 Whisper 214
338 Winchester Magnum 68
338/50 Talbot 184
338-06 214
338-223 Straight 183
338-378 KT 184
338-378 Weatherby 184
340 Weatherby Magnum 69
348 Winchester 70
350 Griffin & Howe Magnum 113
350 No.2 Rigby 324
350 Remington Magnum 75
350 Rigby Magnum 324
351 Winchester Self-Loading 113
351WSL 113
356 Winchester 72
357 Auto Mag 186
357 Herrett 188
357 Magnum 254
357 Remington Maximum 255
357 SIG 255
357/44 Bain & Davis 187
358 JDJ 217
358 Norma Magnum 114
358 Shooting Times Alaskan 218
358 STA 218
358 Winchester 73
360 Express 325
360 Nitro Express 325
360 Nitro For Black 325
360 No. 2 Nitro Express 325
360 No. 5 Rook 324
369 Nitro Express (Purdey) 327
370 Flanged 326
375 A-Square 221
375 Belted Rimless Magnum 327
375 Canadian Magnum 220
375 Dakota 220
375 Flanged Magnum 327
375 Flanged Nitro Express (2V 2 ") 326
375 H&H Magnum 77,327
375 Holland & Holland Magnum 77
375 JDJ 219
375 JRS Magnum 219
375 Rimless NE (2V 4 ") 326
375 Weatherby Magnum 117
375 Whelen 189
375 Whelen Improved 189
375 Winchester 76
375/303 Axite 321
375/303 Westley Richards 321
378 Weatherby Magnum 78
380 ACP 253
380 Automatic (9mm Kurz/9xl7mm)
253
380 Short & Long (Revolver) 258
380 Short & Long (Rifle) 327
400 Jeffery NE 329
400 Purdey (3") Light Express 328
400 Straight 3" 328
400 Whelen 190
400/350 Rigby 324
400/360 NE 23/ 4 " Evans 325
400/360 NE 2 3 / 4 " Fraser 325
400/360 NE 23/ 4 " Purdey 325
400/360 NE 23/ 4 " Westley Richards 325
400/375 Belted Nitro Express (H&H)
326
401 Herter Powermag 189
401 Winchester Self-Loading 125
401 WSL 125
404 Jeffery 330, 371
404 Rimless NE 330
404 Rimless Nitro Express 371
405 Winchester 126
411 JDJ 221
416 Barnes 190
416 Dakota 223
416Hoffinan 223
416 JDJ 222
416 Remington Magnum 81
416 Rigby 82, 330
416 Taylor 222
416 Weatherby Magnum 83
425 Express 224
425 Westley Richards Magnum 331
425 Westley Richards Semi-Rimmed
Magnum 331
442 RIC 264
444 Marlin 85
445 Super Magnum 191
450 3V 4 " BPE 332
450 3V 4 " Nitro Express 332
450 Ackley Magnum 226
450 Adams 271
450 Alaskan 194
450 Dakota 226
450 Howell 194
450 No. 2 Nitro Express 3V2e 333
450 Revolver 271
450 Rigby 333
450 Watts Magnum 194
450/400 23/ 8 " BPE 328
450/400 23/ 8 " Nitro Express 328
450/400 23/g" Nitro For BP 328
450/400 3" 329
450/400 3V 4 " BPE, Nitro Express 329
450/400 31 / 4 " BPE, Nitro For Black 329
451 Detonics 191
454Casull 269
455 Colt 272
455 Revolver MKII 270
455 Revolver MKI 272
455 Webley Automatic 272
455 Webley Revolver MK II 270
458 Canadian Magnum 225
458 Lott 225
458 Whisper 224
458 Winchester Magnum 87
458xlV 2 " Barnes 192,307
458x2" American 193
460 A-Square Short 227
460 Weatherby Magnum 88
470 Capstick 227
470 NE 89
470 Nitro Express 89, 334
475 3V 4 " Nitro Express 335
475 A&M Magnum 196
475 Ackley Magnum 196
475 JDJ 228
475 Linebaugh 195
475 No. 2 Jeffery 335
475 No. 2 Nitro Express 335
475 OKH Magnum 196
475 Wildey Magnum 195
476 Eley 272
476 Enfield MK III 272
476 Nitro Express 335
476 Westley Richards 335
495 A-Square 228
500 A-Square 229
500 Express (BPE) Nitro For Black 336
500 Jeffery 337, 373
500 Linebaugh 197
500 Nitro Express (3" and 3V 4 ") 336
500 Whisper 228
500/450 3V 4 " Magnum Express (BPE) 332
500/450 3V 4 " Nitro Express 333
500/450 No. 1 Carbine 331
500/450 No. 1 Express 331
500/450 No. 1 Musket 331
500/465 Nitro Express 334
505 Gibbs 337
505 Rimless 337
510 Nitro Express 197
577 BP Express 2V 2 ", 23/ 4 ", 3", 3V 4 " 338
577 Nitro Express 2 3 / 4 ", 3", 3V 4 " 338
577 Snider (14.7mm) 309
577 Tyranasaur 229
577/450 Martini-Henry 306
577/500 3V 8 " Nitro Express 337
577/500 No. 2 BP Express 336
585 Nyati 198
600 Nitro Express (2.8" and 3") 338
700 Nitro Express 339
Gauge Rifles 339
R-2 Lovell 158
480 Cartridges of the World
Frank C. Barnes
1918-1992
IT IS NOT GIVEN to many of us in the bookish trades
to create perennials, books that go on and on. Fellow
named Webster did it with dictionaries and a lady
named Irma Rombauer hit a good lick with Joy of Cook¬
ing and Frank Barnes made the grade with this very
book, Cartridges Of The World.
Actually, Barnes was not, at the beginning, very
deeply into bookish stuff. He was more of a doer. How¬
ever, COTW caught him well and truly and held him,
one edition after another, for decades.
Barnes died in 1992 and was sick a while before that.
It was then he handed over the job, sure that the book
(and the royalties) would go on for more decades. It’s
going to be that way, too, and it will be Frank Barnes’
book the whole time.
Frank C. Barnes was born in Chicago June 25, 1918.
How early he caught firearms fever we don’t know; we
do know he began collecting cartridge data about age 12,
which would be about 1930 or 64 years ago.
Before he began to write of guns and ammunition, the
writer-to-be made a living as a geologist-engineer and
spent a lot of time in the field in the West and Southwest.
He did not, he said many times, “go hunting,” because
he was already there. This experience made Barnes into
a practical hunter-rifleman, entitled to his opinions on
rifles and shotguns and their cartridges. Barnes came to
the same sort of competence with handguns even ear¬
lier—his father was a police officer who let his son shoot
his sidearms if he kept them clean.
The net result was a practical sort of fellow and his
principal creation, CARTRIDGES Of The WORLD, is a prac¬
tical sort of book. He decided it should cover all the car¬
tridges that count, that it should be a great guide to all of
those and not get lost in the esoteric worlds of headstamps
and variations. It proved a good plan. It is not surprising
how many prominent cartridge collections began as at¬
tempts to secure one each of those listed in Barnes’ book.
He tried his hand at lots of things besides books, of
course. Barnes was a pilot and raced sports cars and
rode motorcycles. Eventually he took a Masters in
Justice and taught law enforcement matters at the
college level.
And he designed cartridges, too, becoming a respected
wildcatter. When he generated the 458 American by
cutting V 2 -inch off the redoubtable 458 Winchester Mag¬
num, Barnes put it into a practical rifle. A big Mauser,
you say, in the British style? No. A California-styled
Weatherby? No. His shortened big bore fit very nicely
into a short-actioned 722 Remington, stocked to the
muzzle. He hunted with it for years.
Barnes’ last project, his last wildcat, was another
practical sort of thing. It involved a 416 on the 45-70 case
fitted into the Marlin Model 1895 lever-action rifle. This
one was not to be, however—he just didn’t get it finished.
He did finish enough in his 74 years, however. If he’s
remembered as long as his book lasts, that’s a lot longer
than the rest of us ever count on.
Ken Warner
nd shotshell QCenterfire and rimfire Ball
American Military and commercial flCuri
r and smokeless
d proprietary _ b I
match
ISBN 0 - 87349 - 178-5
0 46081 00178 1
By Frank C. Barnes/Edited by M.L. McPherson
A'Cohiplete and Illustrated Reference Source for
Over ^1500 of the World’s Sporting Cartridges
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